BV 4810 
.S6 

Copy 1 



Class 

Book 

Copyright N° 







Gems of Devotion 




A text and verse for every day 




in the year. 




Arranged by- 




Stella Sorenson 




Gospel Trumpet Company 




Anderson, Ind. 



Copyright 1910 
by 

Gospel Trumpet Company 



CCU278207 



mttmrg 



1 This one thing I do, forgetting those things 
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those 
things which are before, I press toward the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ 
Jesus. Phil. iii. 13, 14. 

'Tis vain to weep for pleasures 

That never can return; 
O'er broken hopes and buried joys 

'Tis vanity to mourn. 
Still onward time is speeding 

Along a flow'ry shore; 
Oh, why look backward weeping 

And miss the joys before? - 

2 Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end 
of the world. Matt, xxviii. 20. 

For he, the first, the last, th' almighty God, 
Is ever near, to succor and defend; 

This is his promise, written in the Word, 
' ' Lo, I am with you always to the end. ' ' 

3 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way 
which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine 
eye. Psa. xxxii. 8. 

Lord, I pray thee guide my vessel 

Down the swift and treacherous flood, 

To the land where peace eternal 
Smiles around the throne of God. 



4 



JANUARY 



4 To him that overcometh will I give to eat 
of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the 
paradise of God. Rev. ii. 7. 



O Paradise, O Paradise, 

Who doth not crave for rest? 

Who would not seek the happy land 
Where they that loved are blest? 



5 A pleasant thing it is, for the eyes to be- 
hold the sun. Eccl. xi. 7. 



Christ is my sun that never sets^ 
And hence I have no night. 

All day he shines upon my path 
And makes it beam with light. 



6 Lead me in the way everlasting. 
Psa. cxxxix. 24. 



I was not ever thus, nor prayed 
That Thou shouldest lead me on: 

I loved to choose and see my path, 
But now, lead thou me on; 

I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, 
Pride ruled, my will. 

Remember not past years. 



JANUARY 



5 



7 I am the rose of Sharon. S. of Sol. ii. 1. 



Lovely, most lovely, are earth's radiant flowers, 
Her very smiles of joy, aye chasing gloom; 

But soon they wither, in her happiest bowers: 
In heaven, doth the rose of Sharon ever bloom! 



8 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty. 
Isa. xxxiii. 17- 



Yea! though the land be very far away, 
A step, a moment, ends the toil for thee; 

Then, changing grief for gladness, night for day, 
Thine eyes shall see! 



9 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness. 
Psa. cxix. 88. 



As stars, upon the tranquil sea, 

In minute glory shine, 
So words of kindness in the heart, 

Eeflect the Source divine. 
Oh, then be kind! whoe'er thou art, 

That breathes the mortal breath 
And it shall brighten all thy life 

And sweeten even death. 



6 



JANUARY 



10 Speak, Lord; for thy servant neareth. 
I Sam. iii. 9. 



Speak to me by name, O Master, 
Let me know it is to me; 

Speak that I may follow faster, 
With a step more firm and free, 

Where the Shepherd leads the flock 

In the shadow of the rock. 



11 His truth shall be thy shield. Psa. xci. 4. 



Christ is my shield, that never fails 
In battle's fiercest shock; 

He stands between me and the foe, 
My tower, my strength, my rock. 



12 But God forbid that I should glory, save 
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. vi. 14. 



Faith came at last, storm-beat and torn; 

She recompensed me all my loss, 
For, as a cargo, safe she brought 

A crown, linked to a cross. 



JANUARY 



7 



13 Until the day break, and the shadows flee 
away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, 
and to the hill of frankincense. S. of Sol. iv. 6. 



As long as a shadow is cast, 

There somewhere must be the sun, 
Though never till life is past 

Are its endless duties done. 
Yet, surely, 'tis something to know 

God looketh adown awhile, 
And only our wayward wills 

Can ever cloud his smile. 



14 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace 
unto the humble. J as. iv. 6. 



Christ gives each day his grace divine, 
By which, through faith, I rest; 

And glory-iight comes streaming down, 
While leaning on his breast. 



15 I beseech thee, show me thy glory. 
Ex. xxxiii. 18. 



Then glory to the precious One, 

In whom I live in love; 
Who gives the rest of faith below, 

Eternal rest above. 



8 



JANUARY 



16 Love not the world, neither the things that 
are in the world. I John ii. 15. 



O Jesus ! if in clays gone by, 

My heart hath loved the world too well, 
It needs more love, for love of thee, 

To bid this cheerful world farewell. 



17 Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall 
be turned into joy. John xvi. 20. 



The path of sorrow, and that path alone, 
Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown: 
No traveler ever reached that blest abode, 
"Who found not thorns and briers on his road. 



18 When thou passest through the waters, I 
will be with thee. Isa. xliii. 2. 



The land beyond the sea! 
When will our toil be done? 
Slow-footed years, more swiftly run 
Into the gold of that unsetting sun: 
Homesick are we for thee, 
Calm land beyond the sea ! 



JANUARY 



19 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. 
Heb. xii. 6. 



Sometime, when all life's lessons have been learned 

And sun and stars forevermore have set, 
The things which our weak judgments here have spurned, 

The things o 'er which we grieve with lashes wet, 
Will flash before us, out of life's dark night, 

As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue, 
And we shall see how God's plans were right 

And how, what seemed reproof, was love most true. 



20 Ye judge after the flesh. John viii. 15. 



Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 
But trust him for his grace; 

Behind a frowning Providence, 
He hides a smiling face. 



21 Sorrow is turned into joy. Job xli. 22. 



And sorrow touched by Thee grows bright, 
With more than rapture's ray; 

As darkness shows us worlds of light, 
We never saw by day. 



10 



JANUARY 



22 Let the words of my mouth be acceptable 
in thy sight. Psa. xix. 14. 



Words are mighty; words are living serpents, with their 

venomed stings; 
Or, bright angels crowding round us, with heaven's 

light upon their wings; 
Every word has its own spirit, true or false that never 

dies — 

Every word man's lips have uttered, lives on record in 
the skies. 



23 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for 
thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do 1 
wait all the day. . Psa. xxv. 5. 



Teach me, my God and King, 
In all things thee to see; 

And what I do in everything, 
To do it as for thee. 



24 He is our peace. Eph. ii. 14. 



At peace with all the world, dear Lord, and thee; 

No fears my soul's unwavering faith, can shake: 
All's well — which ever side the grave for me 

The morning light may break. 



JANUARY 



11 



25 For what is your life? It is even a vapor, 
that appeareth for a little time, and then van- 
islieth away. J as. iv. 14. 



What is your life, a day of toil? 
Affliction, trial, and turmoil 

In swift succession come? 
But after labor, cometh rest, 
Upon the, dear Redeemer's breast, 

If fitted for his home. 



26 Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. 
Prov. xvi. 20. 



There are briers besetting every path, 
That call for patient care; 

There is a cross in every lot, 
And an earnest need for prayer: 

But a Jowly heart, that leans on Thee, 
Is happy anywhere. 



27 And it shall come to pass in the day that the 
Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow. 
Isa. xiv. S. 



Go bury thy sorrow, the world hath its share; 
Go bury it deeply, go hide it with care; 
Go think of it calmly, when curtained by night; 
v>o ii to Jessua, ami all will tie right.' 



JANUARY 



28 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy 
right hand shall hold me. Psa. cxxxix. 10. 

All the way, my Savior leads me; 

Cheers each winding path I tread, 
Gives me grace for every trial, 

Feeds me with the living bread: 
Though my weary steps may falter, 

And my soul athirst may be, 
Gushing from the rocks before me, 

Lo! a spring of joy, I see. 



29 Lord, save us: we perish. Matt. viii. 25. 

Master, the tempest is raging— 

The billows are tossing high! 
The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness, 

No shelter or help is nigh; 
Carest thou not that we perish? 

How canst thou lie asleep 
When each moment, so madly is threat 'ning 

A grave in the angry deep ? 



30 Let me glean and gather after the reapers. 
Ruth. ii. 7. 

Burden gleaner, thy sheaves I see; 
Indeed thou must aweary be! 
Singing along the homeward way, 
Glad one, where hast thou gleaned today? 
Stay me not, till day is done— 
I've gathered handfuls, one by one; 
Here and there, for me they fall; 
Close by the reapers I've found them all. 



JANUARY 



13 



31 If any man will come after me, let him 
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and fol- 
low me. Luke ix. 23. 



Jesus, I my cross have taken, 

All to leave and follow thee; 
Naked, poor, despised, Jorsaken, 

Thou from hence my all shall be: 
Perish every fond ambition, 

All I've sought, or hoped, or known; 
Yet how rich is my condition, 

God and heaven are still my own. 




rfirtmrg 



1 Therefore my heart is glad. Psa. xvi. 9. 



If thou art blest, 

Then let the sunshine of thy gladness rest 
On the dark edge of each cloud that lies 
Black in thy brother's skies. 
If thou art glad, 

Still be, in thy brother's gladness, glad. 



2 As thy days, so shall thy strength be. 
Deut. xxxiii. 25. 



One day at a time, but a single day- 
Whatever its load, whatever its length, 

There's a bit of precious scripture to say, 
That according to each, shall be our strength. 



3 He that overcometh, the same shall be 
clothed in white raiment. Rev. iii. 5. 



There's a robe that is waiting for you, 
A robe that's resplendently fair, 

Made white in the blood of the Lamb, 
Richly studded with jewels most rare. 

Now Jesus presents it for you— 

Shall another this gorgeous robe wear? 



FEBRUARY 



15 



4 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy 
way. Isa. lvii. 10. 

My life is a wearisome journey; 

I'm siek with the dust and the heat; 
The rays of the sun beat upon me; 

'The briers are wounding my feet: 
But the city to which T am journeying, 

Will more than my trials repay; 
And the toils of the road will seem nothing 

When I get to the end of the way. 



5 Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give 
thee a crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. 

There's a crown that is waiting for you 
More bright than the diamond's glow, 

More lustrous than stars of the night, 
More fair than the glittering snow. 

Shall it deck, in the ages to come, 
Thine own or another one's brow? 



6 If thou be willing, remove this cup from me: 
nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. 
Luke xxii. 42. 

God pity those who can not say, 
' ' Not mine but thine ' ' : who only pray, 
"Let this cup pass"; and can not see 
The meaning of Gethsemane. 



16 



FEBRUARY 



7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul. Psa. cxvi. 7. 



Immortal soul, from sense released 
By Christ's undying love, 

Thou art a part of God's own self; 
Go dwell with him above. 



8 This mortal must put on immortality. 
I Cor. xv. 53. 



O mortal man, by nature bound, 

A spirit yet a clod; 
In thee both mind and soul are found; 

True, thou art linked to God. 



9 Let your loins be girded about, and your 
lights burning. Luke xii. 35. 



And is your lamp burning, my brother? 

I pray you look quickly and see; 
For if it were burning, then surely 

Some beam would fall brightly on me. 
There are many and many around you, 

Who follow wherever you go; :. 
If you thought that they walked in the shadow, 

Your lamp would burn brighter, I know. 



FEBRUARY 



17 



10 My flesh longeth for thee. Psa. lxiii. 1. 



"A little while!" with, patience, Lord, 

I fain would ask "how long?" 
For how can I with such a hope 

Of g'ory and of home — 
With such a joy awaiting me, 

JS'ot wish the hour were come? 
How can 1 keep the longing back, 

And how suppress the groan? 



11 It is high time to awake out of sleep. 
Rom. xiii. 11. 



Sleeper, awake! beneath thy pillow 

Lie serpents coiled, with deadly fangs; 

While o 'er the deep and sullen billow, 
On the cliff's edge, thy bower hangs. 



12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on 
eternal life. I Tim. vi. 12. 



Oh ! for the faith 

That points us to a home beyond the tomb, 
Where mildews never canker love's bright wreath, 

And youth and purity forever bloom. 



18 



FEBRUARY 



13 Wherein in time past ye walked accord- 
ing to the course of this world, . . . but God, 
who is rich in mercy, . . . hath raised us up to- 
gether, and made us sit together in heavenly 
places in Christ Jesus. Eph. ii. 2, 4, 6. 

Now, the world to me 

Is like a naked, wintry, wilderness, 

Joyless, and cold, and traversed by wild winds, 

Which waken strange and dreamy melodies 

And sigh themselves away. 



14 Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou 
goest. Luke ix. 57. 



I do not ask to understand 
My cross, my way to see; 

Let me in darkness feel thy hand 
And simply follow thee. 



15 Upon this rock I will build my churcn. 
Matt. xvi. 18. 



The church is safe on the eternal Eock, 
On which Immanuel laid her corner-stone. 

She sits secure, nor fears the battle shock, 
Though all the adverse powers unite as one. 



FEBRUARY 



19 



16 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: 
for thou, Lord, only maketh me to dwell in safety. 
Psa. iv. 8. 



Safe in the arms of Jesus, 
Safe on his loving breast, 

There by his love o 'ershadowed, 
Sweetly my soul shall rest. 



17 Verily, there is a reward for the righteous. 
Psa. lviii. 11. 



A holy home, 

Where those who sought the footprints of the 
Lord, 

Along the paths of pain, and care, and gloom, 
Shall find the rest of heaven a rich reward. 



18 My heart shall not fear. Psa. xxvii. 3. 



I fear no coming sorrow, light will shine; 
There comes with every morrow, help divine: 
And when the journey's ended, then I know, 
To realms of endless glory, I shall go. 



20 



FEBRUARY 



19 Praying always with all prayer and sup- 
plication in the Spirit. Eph. vi. 18. 



Keep praying as you go, 
While pilgrims here below, 

For evil waits on every hand; 
But Jesus Christ, for thee, 
Shall all-sufficient be; 

Keep praying as you go. 



20 The time of my departure is at hand. 
II Tim. iv. 6. 



Sometime, I'll come to a valley 

Where a grim shadow is thrown; 
No human friend can go with me, 

Leave me, O Lord, not alone! 
Till that bright and beautiful morning, 

When all the darkness shall flee, 
Let me lean harder, dear Savior, 

Let me lean harder on thee. 



21 The time is at hand. Rev. i. 3. 



Go quickly, go quickly, the hour is late; 
The Lord has commanded, how dare you to waitf 
You carry a light that will show the way; 
Go bear it to those who have gone astray. 



FEBRUARY 



21 



22 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen 
your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. 
Psa. xxxi 24. 

I leave it all with Jesus, day by day; 
Faith can firmly trust him, come what may; 
Hope has dropped her anchor, found her rest, 
In the calm, sure haven of his breast; 
Love esteems it heaven to abide 
At his side. 



23 Thrust in the sickle, and reap: for the time 
is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the 
earth is ripe. Rev. xiv. 15. 

Lo, the golden fields are smiling, 

Wherefore idle shouldst thou be? 
Great the harvest, few the workers, 

And the Lord hath need of thee. 
Go and work, the time is waning; 

Let thy earnest heart reply 
To the call so oft repeated, 

"Blessed Master, here am I." . 



24 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. 
Psa. xxiii. 3. 

Though my feet be worn and weary, 
Where the Shepherd leads, I'll go; 

Though the mountain side be dreary, 
He will lead me, this I know. 



22 



FEBRUARY 



25 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. 
Prov. iii. 5. 



• When arms of flesh are failing, 

And earth seems cold and drear, 
1 love to trust in Jesus, 

For then he draws so near! 
In deepest midnight darkness, 

When not a star I see, 
The harder, then, I lean on him, 

For then he's nearest me. 



26 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe. 
Psa. cxix. 117. 



Ah, needy me! 
It's naught I have— it's everything I need! 
Be Thou my all, my helping friend indeed. 

Regard my plea, then shall I be — 
Though 'neath my feet, the tempter's snares are 
spread, 

And clouds and darkness be around my head — 
Upheld by thee! 



27 Know thou it for thy good. Job v. 27. 



Oh, be still, thou soul of mine, 

Thou art not forsaken; 
Tho' the pow'rs of sin may rage, 

Thou shalt be unshaken. 
He who gave his life for thee, 
Thus permits that thou should 'st be — 
For thy good, as thou shalt see- 
Tempted for a season. 



FEBRUARY 



23 



28 And there the weary be at rest. Job iii. 17. 



Then nevermore can sin or sorrow siege us; 

Hath He not promised, "I will give you rest'"? 
At rest, at home, in paradise with Jesus; 

Could weary heart be more supremely blest ! 



29 My soul shall be satisfied. Psa. lxiii. 5. 



Thither my weak and weary steps are tending; 

Savior and Lord, with thy frail child abide. 
Guide me toward home where all my wanderings 
ending 

I shall see thee, and be satisfied. 



nm 



1 I would not live alway. Job vii. 16. 



O great eternity! 

Our little life is but a gust 
That bends the branches of thy tree 

And trails its blossoms in the dust. 



2 Every one of us shall give account of hin 
self to God. Rom. xiv. 12. 



With books, or work, or healthful play, 
Let your first years be past; 

That you may give, for every day, 
Some good account at last. 



3 Stand fast in the faith. 1 Cor. xvi. 13. 



Faith wings the soul beyond the sky, 
Up to that better world on high, 
For which we wait. 



MARCH 



25 



4 Then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, 
and then thou shalt have good success. Josh. i. 8. 



Yet it is better to pray when all thinge are prosperous 
with us; 

Pray in fortunate days, for life's most beautiful fortune 
kneels down 

Before the Eternal's throne, and, with hands interfolded, 
And praises thankful, moves the only Giver of blessings. 



5 To the end he may stablish your hearts un- 
blameable in holiness. I Thess. iii. 13. 



O beauty of holiness, 
Of self-forgetfulness, of lowliness! 
O power of meekness, 
Whose very gentleness and weakness 
Are like the yielding but irresistible air 



6 Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reap. Gal. vi. 7. 



The tissue of the life to be, 

We weave with colors all our own; 
And in the field or destiny, 

We reap as we have sown. 



26 



MARCH 



7 Peace, peace to them that are afar off. 
Isa. lvii. 19. 



How would I lead you to the wells of peace. 
And see you dip your fevered palms and drink! 
Gladly, to purchase this, would I lay down 
The precious remnant of my life and sleep. 



8 He being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of 
the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 
J as. i. 25. 



I count this thing to be grandly true- 
That a noble deed it a step toward God, 
Lifting the soul from the common clod 

To a purer air and a broader view. 



9 I give myself unto prayer. Psa. cix. 4. 



When the early morn is breaking 

I will seek the mount of prayer; 
'Tis a precious time of waiting 

For my soul is strengthened there. 
When the darkness gathers round me 

At the closing of the day, 
From the mount of prayer above me, 

Comes a cheering, helping ray. 



MARCH 27 



10 The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and 
in the storm. Nah. i. 3. 



Look up! O soul; no storm can last 
Beyond the limits God hath set. 

When its appointed work is past 
In joy thou shalt thy grief forget. 



11 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, 
and give thee peace. Num. vi. 26. 



Hope thou in Him: his plan for thee 
Shall end in triumph and release, 

Fear not, for thou shalt surely see 
His afterward of peace. 



12 The path of the just is as the shining light, 
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 
Prov. iv. 18. 



A little while! 'tis ever drawing nearer — 
The bright dawning of that glorious day: 

Praise God! the light is hourly growing clearer, 
Shining more and more unto the perfect day. 



28 



MARCH 



13 In the world ye shall have tribulation: but 
be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 
John xvi. 33. 

What glories will that dawn unfold to thee! 

Be of good cheer; 
Gird up thy loins, bind sandals on thy feet: 
The way is dark and long ; the end is sweet. 



14 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall 
gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or 
what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 
Mark viii. 36, 37. 

Wilt thou take, in exchange for thy soul, 

A lifetime, all sunshine and light; 
Yea, freedom from care, an enjoyment of health, 

And laughter from morning till night? 
Aye, and riches to purchase those special delights 

That drive away sorrow of heart; 
Wilt thou take all these things for the loan of thy 
soul 

Until thou art called to depart? 



15 We are thine. Isa. lxiii. 19. 



O Lord and Master of us all, 
Whate'er our name or sign, 

We own thy sway, we hear thy call, 
We test our lives by thine. 



MARCH 



29 



16 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then 
after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke xiii. 9. 



The Lord of the garden saw it and said, 

"Now, when the leaves are sere, 
Cut down this tree so worthless, 

And plant another here. 
My garden is not for beauty alone, 

But, for fruit as well, 
And no barren tree must cumber 

The place in which I dwell." 



17 He careth for you. I Pet. v. 7. 



T have no cares, O blessed One, 
For all my cares are thine; 

I live in triumph, Lord, for thou 
Hast made thy triumphs mine. 



18 Here is wisdom. Rev. xiii. 18. 



To know just what to do by hour; 
To know just how to do by hour; 
To do our best, with all our heart and power — 
This is the highest wisdom. 



30 



MARCH 



19 He calleth his own sheep by name, and 
leadeth them out. John x. 3. 



Savior, lead me lest I stray, 
Gently lead me all the way: 
I am safe when by thy side, 
I would in thy love abide. 



20 The Lord has comforted his people. 
Isa. lii. 9. 



Like the music of a fountain 

Which a thirsty traveler hears, 
Speaks a voice from Calvary's mountain, 

' ' I am more than all thy fears. ' ' 



21 Which hope we have as an anchor of the 
soul, both sure and stedfast. Heb. vi. 19. 



Will your anchor hold in the storm of life, 
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? 
When the stormy tide lifts and the cables straiu, 
Will your anchor drift or firm remain? 



MARCH 31 
22 My grace is sufficient for thee. II Cor. xii. 9. 



His grace will be sufficient 
Till I his glory see; 

Then safe at home forever 
I '11 with him ever be. 



23 He is the rock. Deut. xxxii. 4. 



In the rifted rock I'm resting, 
Safely sheltered I abide; 

There no foes nor storms molest me 
While within the cleft I hide. 



24 Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 
Heb. xii. 3. 



Art thou weary, art thou languid, 
Art thou sore distressed? 

1 ' Come to me, ' ' saith one, ' ' and be at rest. ' ' 



32 



MARCH 



25 Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in 
dust and ashes. Job xlii. 6. 

The mistakes of my life have been many, 
The sins of my heart have been more, 

I scarce can see for weeping, 
But I '11 knock at the open door. 



26 Rest in the I^rd^ and wait! patiently for 
him. Psa. xxxvii. 7 . 



Rest, and be silent! for patiently listening, 
Patiently waiting, thine eyes shall behold 

Pearls, in the waters of quietness, glistening- 
Treasures of promise, that shall unfold. 



27 And now abide faith, hope, charity 
[love]. 1 Cor. xiii. 13. 



Oh, tell me, Hope and Faith, 

Is there no resting place 

From sorrow, sin, and death? 

Is there no happy spot where mortals may be blest, 

Where grief may find a balm, and weariness a rest? 

Faith, Hope, and Love, 

Best boons to mortals given, 
Waved their bright wings and whispered, 
4 ' Yes, in heaven. 7 7 



MARCH 



28 We are saved by hope. Rom. viii. 24. 



Whate'er may befall, 
Whate 'er may betide, 

Let hope be your talisman, 
Light-house, and guide. 



29 The eternal God is thy refuge, and under- 
neath are his everlasting arms. Deut. xxxiii. 27. 

Our God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope, for years to come; 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, 

And our eternal home! 
Under the shadow of thy throne 

Thy saints have dwelt secure; 
Sufficient is thine arm alone, 

And our defense is sure. 



30 I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. 
Heb. xiii 5. 



On that my gaze I fasten, 
My refuge that I make: 

Though sorely thou mayst chasten, 
Thou never canst forsake. 



34 



MARCH 



31 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the 
most High shall abide under the shadow of the 
Almighty. Psa. xci. 1. 



Sit down beneath His shadow 
And rest with great delight; 

The faith that now beholds him 
Is pledge of future sight. 



{frit 

1 And I will pray the Father, and he shall 
give you another Comforter, that he may abide 
with you forever. John xiv. 16. 

Oh, that the Comforter would come, 

Nor visit as a transient guest, 
But fix in me his constant home, 

And keep possession of my breast; 
And make my soul his loved abode, 

The temple of indwelling God. 



2 Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 
Zech. iii. 2. 

Where shall my wondering soul begin? 

How shall I all to heaven aspire? 
A slave redeem M from death and sin, 

A brand plucked from eternal lire. 
How shall I equal triumphs raise 

Or sing my great Deliverer's praise? 



3 Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious 
and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kind- 
ness. Neh. ix. 17. 

Lord, how secure and blest are they 
Who feel the joys of pardoned sin; 

Should storms of wrath shake earth and sea, 
Their minds have heaven and peace within. 




36 



APRIL 



4 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, 
so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psa. vlii. 5. 



With heart and eyes and lifted hands, 
For Thee T long; to thee I look, 

As travelers in thirsty lands 

Pant for the cooling water brook. 



5 Whether we live therefore, or die, we are 
the Lord's. Rom. xiv. 8. 



Thou Great and Good, 'thou Just and Wise, 
Thou art my Father and my God; 

And I am thine by sacred ties— 
Thine own, thy servant, all is thine. 



6 To reveal his Son in me. Gal. i. 16. 



Father, in me reveal thy Son, 

And to my inmost soul make known 

How merciful thou art; 
The secret of thy love reveal, 
And by thy hallowed Spirit' dwell 

Forever in my heart. 



APRIL 



37 



7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. J as. iv. 7. 



I would submit to all Thy will 
For thou art good and wise; 

Let each rebellious thought be still 
Nor oue faint murmur rise. 



8 I will cause you to pass under the rod. 
Ezek. xx. 37. 



Oh, can my heart aspire so high 
To say, "My Father, God"? 

Lord, at thy feet I fain would lie 
And learn to kiss the rod. 



9 Oh that thou wouldst bless me. 
I Chron. iv. 10. 



Lord, I will not let thee go 
Till the blessing thou bestow; 
Fear, my Advocate divine: 
Lo! to his my suit I join; 
Joined to his, it can not fail; 
Bless me, for I will prevail. 



38 



APRIL 



10 Wisdom is the principal thing. Prov. iv. 7. 

Still let thy wisdom be my guide 

]N'or take thy flight from me alway; 
Still with me, let thy grace abide 

That 1 from thee may never stray. 
Let thy word richly in me dwell, 

Thy peace and lcve my portion be, 
My joy to endure and do thy will, 

Till perfect I am bound to thee. 



11 Behold, the angel of the Lord came upon 
him, and a light shined in the prison: and he 
smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying. 
Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off of his 
hands. Acts xii. 7. 

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, 

Fast bound in sin and nature's night; 

Thine eye diffused a quick 'ning ray: 

I awoke; the dungeon flamed with light; 

My chains fell off, my heart was free; 
I arose, went forth, and followed thee. 



12 Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of 
our faith. Heb. xii. 2. 

Author of faith, eternal Word, 

Whose spirit breathes the active flame: 
Faith, like its Finisher and Lord, 
- Today, as yesterday, the same. 



APRIL 



89 



13 I will arise and go to my father, and will 
say unto him, Father, I have sinned against 
heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to 
be called thy son: make me one of thy hired ser- 
vants. Luke xv. 18, 19. 

The long lost son, with streaming eyes, 

From folly just awake, 
Eeviews his wanderings with surprise; 

His heart begins to break. 
"I starve," he cries, ' 'nor can I bear 

The famine in the land, 
While servants of my father share 

The bounty of his hand. 
With deep repentance I'll return 

And seek my father's face; 
Unworthy to be called a son, 

I'll seek a servant's place." 



14 And above all these things put on charity, 
wLich is the bond of perfectness. Col. iii. 14. 

In faith and hope the world will disagree, 
But all mankind's concern is charity. 



15 Knowledge shall be increased. Dan. xii. 4. 



Our needful knowledge like our needful food, 
Unhedged, lies open in life's common field 
And bids all welcome to the vital feast. 



10 



AFRIL 



16 I do set -my bow in the cloud, and it shall 
be for a token of a covenant between me and the 
earth. Gen. ix. 13. 



Though storms his face obscure, 
And dangers threaten loud; 

Jehovah's covenant is sure, 
His bow is in the cloud. 



17 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled 
down, and prayed with them all. And they all 
wept sore, and fell . on Paul's neck, and kissed 
him. Acts xx. 36, 37. 

The tear of sympathy. 
No radiant pearl, which crested fortune wears, 
No gem that twinkling hangs from beauty's ears, 
Nor the bright stars, which night's blue arch adorn, 
Nor rising suns that gild the vernal morn 
Shine with such lustre as. the tear that breaks 
For other 's woe, down virtue 's manly cheeks. 



18 Happy shalt thou be. Psa. cxxviii. 2. 



O happiness! our being's end and aim; 
Good pleasure, ease, content— whate'er thy name- 
That something still which prompts th' eternal 
sigh, 

For which we bear to live, or dare to die. 



APRIL 



41 



19 For he is our God; and we are the peoplt 
of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand 
Psa. xcv. 7. 

The Lord my pasture shall prepare 
And feed me with a shepherd's care; 
His presence shall my wants supply 
And guard me with a watchful eye; 
My noon-day walks he shall attend, 
And all my midnight hours defend. 



20 Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 
Psa. lxi. 2. 

When in the sultry glebe I faint 
Or on the thirsty mountain pant, 
To fertile dales and dewy meads, 
My weary, wandering steps He leads; 
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow, 
Amid the verdant landscape flow. 



21 The Lord will bless his people with peace. 
Psa. xxix. 11. 

Come peace of mind, delightful guest! 
Eeturn and make thy downy nest 

Once more in this sad heart; 
Nor riches T, nor power pursue, 
Nor hold forbidden joys in view; 

We therefore need not part. 



42 



APRIL 



22 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of 
our conscience. II Cor. i. 12. 

"While conscience, like a faithful friend, 
Shall, through the gloomy vale, attend 

And cheer our dying breath; 
Shall, when all other comforts cease, 
Like a kind angel, whisper peace 

And smooth the bed of death. 



23 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow 
not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; 
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye 
not much better than they? Matt. vi. 26. 

To them no stores nor granaries belong, 
Nought but the woodland and the pleasing song; 
Yet, your kind heavenly Father bends his eye 
On the least wing that flits along the sky. 
To him they sing where spring renews the plain; 
To him they cry in winter's pinching reign; 
Nor is their music nor their plaint in vain: 
He hears the joy, and the distressful call, 
And with unsparing bounty fills them all. 



24 Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall 
see God. Matt. v. 8. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, 

For they shall see our God: 
The secret of the Lord is theirs; 

Their soul is his abode. 



APRIL 



25 And why take ye thought for raiment? Con- 
sider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they 
toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto 
you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not 
arrayed like one of these. Matt. vi. 28, 29. 

Observe the rising lily's snowy grace; 
Observe the various vegetable race; 
They neither toil nor spin, but careless grow, 
Yet see how warm they blush ! how bright they 
glow ! 

What regal vestments can with them compare! 
What king so shining! or what queen so fair! 
If, ceaseless, thus, the fowls of heaven He feeds, 
If o 'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads, 
Will he not care for you, ye faithless, say? 
Is he unwise? or are ye less than they? ' 



26 God is our refuge and strength. Psa. xlvi. 1. 

Look down on me, for I am weak, 
I feel the toilsome journey's length; 

Thine aid omnipotent I seek, 
Thou are my strength. 



27 Woe to them that are at ease. Amos vi. 1. 

There are soft and flowery glades 
Decked with golden-fruited trees, 

Sunny slopes and scented shades; 

Keep us, Lord, from slothful ease. 

Holy Jesus, day by day, 

Lead us in the narrow way. 



44 



APRIL 



28 Delight thyself also in the Lord; arid he 
shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 
Psa. xxxvii. 4. 



My one desire be this : 
Thy only love to know, 

To seek and taste no other bliss, 
No other good below. 



29 In thy presence is fulness of joy. Psa. xvi. 11. 



My soid before Thee prostrate lies; 
To thee, her source, my spirit flies; 
My wants I mourn, my chains I see; 
O let thy presence set me free. 



30 Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. 
Eph. iv. 30. 



How oft have 1 the Spirit grieved, 

Since first with me he strove; 
How obstinately disbelieved 

And trampled on his love ! 
How have I sinned against the light, 

Broken from his embrace; 
And would not, when I freely might, 

Be justified by grace. 



1 The Lord it, my light, f sa. xxvii. 1. 



I am bewildered on my way; 

Dark and tempestuous is the night: 
Oh, send Thou forth some cheering ray; 

Thou art my light. 



2 Abide in me, and I in you. John xv. 4. 



Dark and cheerless is the morn, 
Unaccompanied by Thee; 

Joyless is the clay's return 
Till thy mercy's beams I see, 

Till thou inward life impart, 

Glad my eyes and warm my heart. 



3 Be filled with the Spirit. Eph. v. 18. 



Visit then this soul of mine; 

Pierce the gloom of sin and grief: 
Fill me, Kadiancy, divine; 

Scatter all my unbelief: 
More and more thyself display, 
Shining to the perfect day. 



46 



MAY 



4 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy 
and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness 
of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Col. iii. 12. 



Clothe me, Lord, with holiness, 
With meek humility; 

Put on me that glorious dress- 
Endue my soul with thee: 

Let thine image be restored; 

Thy name aud nature, let me prove; 

With thy fulness fill me, Lord, 
And perfect me in love. 



5 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, 
ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not 
away. I Pet. v. 4. 



If the cross is too heavy for thee to bear, 
Then the crown is too bright for thee to wear. 



6 Lord, to whom shall we go? John vi. 68. 



Father, I stretch my hands to thee; 

No other help I know: 
If thou withdraw thyself from me, 
Ah ! whither shall I go If 



MAY 



47 



7 How long wilt thou hide thy face from me: 
Psa. xiii. 1. 



How would my fainting soul rejoice 
Could I but see Thy face! 

Now let me hear thy quick 'ning voice 
And taste thy pard'ning grace. 



8 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: 
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt 
not despise. Psa. li. 17. 



A broken heart, my God, my King, 
Is all the sacrifice I can bring: 
Thou God of grace, wilt thou despise 
A broken heart for sacrifice? 



9 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose 
mind is stayed on thee. Isa. xxvi. 3. 



Him wilt thou keep in perfect peace, 
Whose mind is stayed on thee. 

I turned to God, and then did cease 
Aught save his will to see. 



48 



MAY 



10 The trial of your faith, being much more 
precious than gold that perisheth. I Pet. i. 7- 



For trials make the promise sweet; 

Trials give new life to prayer; 
Trials bring me to His feet, 

Lay me low, and keep me there. 



11 Well done, thou good and faithful servant. 
Matt. xxv. 21. 



When we are summoned to thy throne . 
That thou, O God, may judge our deeds, 
May we bring fruits of life well spent 

And joyfully hear from thee, "Well done." 



12 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God ) 
Psa. xxxvi. 7. 



Oh, lovely attitude!— He stands 
With open heart and out-stretched hands. 
Oh, matchless kindness! and he shows 
This matchless kindness to his foes. 



MAY 



13 The Lord Jehovah is my strength. Isa. xii. 2. 



Go not from me, O my strength — 

Thou whom I obey; 
Take from me what thou wilt, 

But go not thou away. 



14 Watch unto prayer. I Pet. iv. 7. 



Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, 

The Christian's native air, 
His watchword in the hour of death ; 

He enters heaven with prayer. 



15 Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever. 
Lam. v. 19. 



They came— they went: of pleasures past away, 
How oft this is all that we can say; 
Came, like the dew-dr6p in the morning hour — 
Went, like the dew-drop 'r.eath the sunbeam's power; 
Came, like the cistus, with her purple eye — 
Went, like the cistus, blooming but to die. 
Unheeded in the flight they glided past, 
But thou, O Lord, wilt always last. 



50 



MAY 



16 The Lord is his name. Amos v. 8. 



I rest my soul on Jesus, 

This weary soul of mine ; 
His right hand me upholdeth; 

1, on his breast, recline. 
J love the name of Jesus — 

Immanuel — Christ — the Lord! 
Like fragrance on the breezes, 

His name is spread abroad. 



17 The will of the Lord be done. Acts xxi. 14. 



The heart that trusts, forever sings, 
And feels as light as it had wings; 
A well of peace within it springs: 

Come good or ill, 
Whate'er today, tomorrow, brings, 

It is His will. 



18 Let us therewith be content. I Tim. vi. 8. 



Then be content, poor heart; 

God's plans, like lilies, pure and white unfold: 
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart; 

Time will reveal the calyces of gold. 
And if, through patient toil, we reach the land 

Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest — 
When we shall clearly know and understand — 

I think that we will say, "God knows the best." 



MAY 



51 



19 I am small. Psa. cxix. 141. 



The world is old and thou art young; 

The world is large and thou art small: 
Cease, atom of a moment's space, 

To think thyself an all in all. 



20 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth ; 
and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, 
but it tendeth to poverty. Prov. xi. 24. 

Ah, thank God that we can double 

Every blessing he bestows 
Just by sharing with another, 

And be very sure, he knows; 
And be sure that from the store-house 

Of his love to us he'll send, 
For our willing hands to scatter, 

Other blessings without end. 



21 Thy will be done. Matt. vi. 10. 



Not in dumb resignation 

We lift our hands on high; 
Not like the nerveless fatalist, 

Content to trust and die: 
Our faith springs like the eagle 

That soars to meet the sun. 
And cries exulting unto thee, 

"O Lord, thy will be done! " 



52 



MAY 



22 My times are in thy hands. Psa. xxxi. 15. 



My times are in thy hands, my God: 

I would not, if I might, 
Take in my own the slipping sands, 

Or be they dark or bright. 



23 Light is sown for the righteous. Psa. xcvii. 15. 



Though chaos and confusion, 

Upon the earth I see, 
Yet still they seem illusion 

Unto the soul of me: 
Though race with race is striving, 

And conflicts do not cease, 
I feel that right is thriving — 

I hear the sound of peace. 



24 Truly my soul waiteth upon God. Psa. lxii. 1. 



Who bides his time— he tastes the sweet 

Of honey in the saltest tear; 
And though he fares with slowest feet, 

Joy runs to meet him, drawing: 
The birds are heralds of his cause 

And, like a never-ending rhyme, 
The roadside blooms in his applause— 

Who bides his time. 



MAY 



53 



25 Be strong and of a good courage, . . . for 
the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with 
thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 
Deut. xxxi. 6. 

Help me to undertake; 

I plead for courage to begin my task. 
I dare not wait, so much there is at stake: 

Grant courage, Lord, I ask. 



26 Have faith in God. Mark xi. 22. 



Be like the bird, that halting in her flight 
Awhile on boughs to light, 

Feels them give away beneath her and yet sings, 
Knowing that she hath wings. 



27 I commend you to God, and to the word of 
his grace, which is able to build you up, and to 
give you an inheritance among all them which 
are sanctified. Acts xx. 32. 

Souls are built as temples are, 
Based on truth 's eternal law, 
Sure and steadfast, without flaw: 
Through the sunshine, through the snows, 
Up and on the building goes; 
Every fair thing finds its place, 
Every hard thing lends a grace, 

Every hand a make or mar. 



54 



MAY 



28 We which have believed do enter into rest. 
Heb. iv. 3. 



Oh, where shall rest be found- 
Best for the weary soul? 

'Twere vain the ocean depths to sound, 
Or pierce to either pole. 

The world can never give 
The bliss for which we sigh; 

'Tis not the whole of life to live, 
Nor all of death to die. 



29 Happy is that people. Psa. cxliv. 15. 



The mind that would be happy, 
Must be great — 

Great in its wishes, great in its surveys; 
Extended views, a narrow mind extend. 



30 Take fast hold of instruction. Prov. iv. 13. 



Oh, happy is the man who hears 
Instructions warning voice; 

And who celestial wisdom makes 
His early, only choice. 



MAY 



55 



31 We will give ourselves continually to 
prayer. Acts vi. 4>. 



Prayer is the soul's sincere desire 
Unuttered or expressed; 

The motion of a hidden fire - 
That trembles in the breast. 




1 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I 
have led thee in right paths. Prov. iv. 11. 

Blessed Father, thou hast taught me 

I should live to thee alone; 
Year by year thy hand hath brought me 

On through dangers oft unknown: 
When I wandered, thou hast found me; 

When I doubted, sent me light; 
Still thine arm has been around me, 

All my paths were in thy sight. 



2 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall 
sustain thee. Psa. Iv. 22. 

Pilgrim, so worn with the journey, 
Disheartened, and weary, and sore, 

Go carry your burden to Jesus 
And leave it with him evermor 



3 Lead me and guide me. Psa. xxxi. 3. 

Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be! 
Lead me by thine own hand; choose out my path for 
me. 

I dare not choose my lot; I would not if I might; 
Choose thou for me, my God, so shall I walk aright. 



JUNE 



57 



4 But now hath God set the members every 
one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 
I Cor. xii. 18. 

In God's great field of labor 

All work is not the same: 
He hath a service for each one 

Who loves his holy name. 
And you, to whom the secrets 

Of all sweet sounds are known, 
Eise up! for he hath called you 

To a mission of your own. 



5 According to your faith be it unto you. 
Matt. ix. 29. 

Oh, happy are the mortals 

Whose faith no doubt can shake! 
Who still do trust their Master 

Whatever trials overtake. 
To those who hope in Jesus 

And trust him to the last, 
The days to come are better 

Than any that have passed. 



6 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and 
to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than 
these necessary things. Acts xv. 28. 

So shouldst thou kneel at morning's dawn, 
That God may give thee daily care, 

Assured that he, no load too great, 
Will make thee bear. 



58 



JUNE 



7 I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with 
thy likeness. Psa. xvii. 14. 

Soul of mine, in earthly temple, 

Why not here content abide? 
Why are thou forever pleading? 

Why art thou not satisfied? 



8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me 
onhf, but unto all them also that love his appear- 
ing. II Tim. iv. 8. 

And the white-winged angels of heaven, 
To bear me hence, shall come down, 

And in place of the cross I've been bearing 
He'll give me to wear a crown. 



9 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. xi. 28. 

Trust to him for all thy future, 

He will give thee what is best: 
Why then fear when he is saying, 

4 ' Come unto me and rest ! ' ' 



JUNE 



59 



10 Watch ye, and pray. Mark xiv. 38. 



We pray, indeed, but no watch we keep; 
The golden answers slip by while we sleep, 
And we murmur, " The heavens are dumb. ; 



11 He will be our guide even unto death. 
Psa. xlviii. 14. 



The cross is heavy, Father! I have borne it long 

And still do bear it. 
Let my worn and fainting spirit rise 
To that bright land where crowns are given. 

Father, take my hand. 



12 And thou shalt remember all the way which 
the Lord thy God led thee. Deut. viii. 2. 



All the way by which he brought us, 

All the grievings that he bore, 
All the patient love that taught us, 

We '11 remember evermore. 
And his will will be the dearer, 

As we think of weary ways; 
And his light will be the clearer, 

As we muse on cloudy days. 



60 



JUNE 



13 The Lord God formed man of the dust of the 
ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath 
of life; and man became a living soul. Gen. ii. 7. 



The sun is but a spark of fire, 
A transient meteor in the sky: 

The soul, immortal as its Sire, 
Shall never die! 



14 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves 
apart into a desert place, and rest awhile. 
Mark vi. 31. 



Labor and leisure make life beautiful 
"When well divided; and when labor means 
Deserved reward, and leisure, sweet repose. 



15 Oh that my head were waters, and mine 
eyes a fountain of tears! Jer. ix. 1. 



O ye tears ! O ye tears ! I am thankful that ye run ; 
Though ye trickle in the darkness, ye shall glitter in the 
sun. 

The rainbow can not shine if the rain refuse to fall; 
And the eves that can not weep are the saddest eyes 
of all. " 



JUNE 



61 



16 Commit thy way unto the Lord. Psa. xxxvii. 5. 



The burden is God's gift, 

And it will make the bearer calm and strong; 

Yet, lest it press too heavily and long, 
He says, "Cast it on me, and it shall easy be." 



17 I would hasten my escape from the windy 
storm and tempest. Psa. lv. 8. 



Art thou a wanderer? Hast thou seen 

Overwhelming tempests drown thy bark? 
A shipwrecked sufferer, hast thou been 

Misfortune's mark? 
Though long of winds and waves the sport, 

Condemned in wretchedness to roam, 
Leave! thou shalt reach a sheltering port— 

A quiet home. 



18 According to thy mercy remember thou me. 
Psa. xxv. 7. 



No depth, that showeth not how far 

His mercy reaches down; 
Nc height but brings, where clearer sings, 

The song of his renown. 



62 



JUNE 



19 Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in 
the presence of the angels of God over one sinner 
that repenteth. Luke xv. 10. 

There is joy among the angels, 

When a sinner heeds the call, 
When he turns to Christ, believing, 
And from him thro' love receiving 

Grace that saves us, one and all. 



20 He is my rock. Psa. xcii. 15. 



In the calm of the noontide, 

In sorrow's lone hour, 
In times when temptation 

Casts o'er me its power; 
In the tempest of life, 

On its wide heaving sea, 
Thou blest "Kock of Ages," 

I'm hiding in thee. 



21 This is my comfort in my . affliction. 
Psa. cxix. 50. 

% Though he may send some affliction, 
'Twill but make me long for home; 
For in love, and not in anger, 
All his ehastenings will come. 



JUNE 



63 



22 The Lord shall guide thee. Isa. lxiii. 11. 



In suffering, by thy love, my peace; 
In weakness, by thy love, my power: 
Jesus, in that important hour, 
In death as life be thou my guide, 
And save me, who for me hast died. 



23 Lord, I will follow thee. Luke xi. 57. 



If I find him, if I follow, 

What my future here? 
Many a sorrow, many a labor, 

Many a tear. 
If I still hold closely to him, 

What hath he at last? 
Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, 

Jordan past. 



24 The gates of hell shall not prevail against 
Matt. xvi. 18. 

Crowns and thorns may perish, 

Kingdoms rise and wane, 
But the church of God 

Constant will remain. 
Gates of hell can never 

'Gainst that church prevail: 
We have Christ's oAvn promise 

Which can never fail. 



64 



JUNE 



25 After this manner therefore pray ye. 
JVIatt. vi. 9. 

Our heavenly Father, hear our prayer; 

Thy name be hallowed everywhere : 

Thy kingdom come, thy perfect will, 

In earth as heaven, let all fulfil. 

Give this day's bread that we may live; 

Forgive our sins as we forgive; 

Help us temptation to withstand; 

From evil shield us by thy hand. 

Now and forever unto thee 

Thy kingdom, power, and glory be. Amen. 



26 Let us not be weary in well doing. 
Gal. vi. 9. 

Shall we grow weary in our watch 
And murmur at the long delay, 

Impatient of our Father's time 
And his appointed way? 



27 Thou shalt know the Lord. Hos. ii. 20. 



Hast thou been with me, Lord, so long, 
Yet thee, my Lord, have I not known? 

I claim thee with a faltering tongue: 
I pray thee in a feeble groan, 

Tell me, oh, tell me, who thou art! 
And speak thy name into my heart. 



JUNE 



65 



28 Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no 
physician there? Jer. viii. 22. 

Oh, why should gloomy thoughts arise 

And darkness fill the mind? 
Why should that besom heave with sighs 

And yet no refuge find? 
Hast thou not heard of Gilead 's balm— 

The great Physician there— 
Who can thine every fear disarm 

And save thee from despair? 



29 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou 
knowest not what a day may bring forth. 
Prov. xxvii. 1. 



Why should we boast of time to come, 

Though but a single day? 
This hour may fix our final doom 

Though strong and young and gay. 
The present we should now redeem, 

This only is our own: 
The past, alas! is all a dream, 

And the future is unknown. 



30 But thou art the same. Heb. i. 12. 



Jesus, if still thou art today 

As yesterday the same- 
Present to heal — in me display 
The virtue of thy name. 



1 This is the victory that overcometh the world, 
even our faith. I John v. 4. 



Faith sees the bright, eternal doors 
Unfold to make his children way ; 

They shall be clothed with endless life, 
And shine in everlasting day. 



2 My house is a house of prayer. 
Luke xix. 46. 

God bless the home where mightily 

The songs of praise arise; 
Where all kneel round the altar 

And offer sacrifice. 
Alas! for home where never 

Is heard the voice of prayer ; 
Alas ! for home where Jesus 

Is never mentioned there! 



3 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of 
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 
Eph. i. 17. 

Wondrous truths, and manifold as wondrous, 
God hath written in those stars above; 

But not less, in the bright flowerets under us. 
Stands the revelation of his love. 



JULY 



67 



4 Though I be nothing. II Cor. xii. 11. 

" Though I be nothing/' yet, my Lord, I bring 

Myself to thee, a humble offering. 

Riches I can not boast, but all I have I give; 

So take me, use me, Lord; for thee I'll live 

Till 'mid the glories of eternity 

I gaze on thee! 



5 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear 
him ; that glory may dwell in our land. Psa. lxxxv. 9. 

With mercy and with judgment 

My web of time he wove; 
And aye, the dews of sorrow 

Were lustred with his love. 
I'll bless the hand that guided, 

I 'll bless the heart that planned, 
When throned where glory dwelleth, 

In Emmanuel's land. 



6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 
Psa. cxxvi. 5. 

Seed that's sown in tears and sorrow 

And passed from sieve to sieve, 
He who careth for the sparrow 

The increase yet will give. 
Faint not then, anointed brother, 

Though fruitless seems the toil; 
Bountitul shall be the harvest, 

For God will bless the soil. 



68 



JULY 



7 He is our help and our shield. Psa. xxxiii. 20. 



Close beside our wandering ways, 
Through dark nights, and dreary days, 

Stand the angels, with bright eyes; 
And the shadow of the cross 

Falls upon and sanctifies 
All our pain and all our loss. 

Though we stumble, though we fall, 

God is helping after all. 



8 The light shall shine upon thy ways. 
Job xxii. 28. 

Thy life be all sunshine, 

And love 's purest ray 
Shine over thy pathway 

And guide thee today. 



9 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with 
silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of af- 
fliction. Isa. xlviii. 10. 



In the furnace God may prove thee, 

Thence to bring thee forth more bright ; 

But can never cease to love thee, 
Thou are precious in his sight ; 

God is with thee, 

God, thine everlasting light, • • 



JULY 



GO 



10 Thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a 
light of them which are in darkness. Rom. ii. 19v 

Light of them that sit in darkness, 
Eise and shine, thy blessings bring; 

Light, to lighten all the Gentiles, 
Eise- with healing in thy wing. 

To thy brightness 

Let all kings and nations come. 



11 For where your treasure is, there will your 
heart be also. Luke xii. 34. 



I have learned what restless things 

Earth 's joys and treasures are; 
Seen them spread their phantom wings 

And vanish into air. 
All the love and joys of earth 

Are like the bubbles on the stream ; I 
All its honor, fame, and mirth, i 

The meteor's flitting gleam. 



12 A still small voice. I Kings xix. 12. 



Oh ! how sweet 

That balmy voice, that living breath of, life, 
As soft it bathes the aching, upraised brow 
And whispers peace, the anguished soul is soothed; 
Earth, sense, and sin and sorrow are forgot, 
As that pure breathing stirs the spirit's lyre 
To holy converse with Divinity. 



70 



JULY 



13 We know that an idol is nothing in the 
world, and that there is none other God but one. 
I Cor. viii. 4. 

What gems that should be consecrated to thee 

Are vainly offered at a mortal shrine, 
Till the poor idols, crumbling back to dust, 

Mock the weak faith which fancied it divine. 
O heavenly Father, may I now presume 

To lay my worthless trophies on thy shrine? 
Behold! I cast them at thine altar's foot, 

And my heart with them. Father, make them thine. 



14 There is a friend that sticketh closer than a 
brother. Prov. xviii. 24. 

Friend of the friendless, oh, to thee, 

"With bleeding heart I turn! 
Thy sunny world is dark to me, 

And evermore I mourn. 
The friends I loved— oh! where are they? 
Dead, faithless, cold, or far away; 
But thou art kind, and ever near 
To soothe the sigh and dry the tear. 



15 Hope thou in God. Psa. xlii. 5. 

Hope of the hopeless, see the last 
Of my fond hopes is gone; 

A thousand brilliant dreams were past 
And this remained alone. 
. Deep in my secret soul it lay, 

My dreams by night, my bliss by day ; 

7 Tis broken; oh, 'twas vanity, 

Eternal hope, I fly to thee! 



JULY 



71 



16 And to you who are troubled rest with 
us. II Thess. i. 7. 

Child of meagre poverty, 

Toiling for thy daily bread, 
Many a bitter, heart-wrung tear, 

It has been thine to shed. 
Cold and weary is thy lot, 

By want, and care, and scorn oppressed; 
Bring thy burden to the Lord, 

And he will give thee rest. 



17 The angel of the Lord encampeth round 
about them that fear him. Psa. xxxiv. 7. 

There is a dreamy presence everywhere 
As if of spirits passing to and fro ; 

We almost hear their voices in the air, 

And feel their balmy pinions touch the brow. 



18 A day in thy courts is better than a thousand. 
Psa. lxxxiv. 10. 

One day in thy courts! Oh, how good to the soul 

Which has longed weary years in those courts to 
appear ; 

In a dry barren land where no bright waters roll, 
No cooling spring gushes the weary to cheer, 
Who has wept day and night, while the taunters were 
saying, 

"Where now is thy God, thou forsaken and straying?" 
One day in thy courts, where the blessed are staying 
With holiday gladness, rejoicing and praying, 
Is better, oh, better, than thousands could be, 
Where all this world's treasures were garnered and free. 



72 



JULY 



19 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou 
hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence 
it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one 
that is born of the Spirit. John iii. 8. 

O Wind, where is thy home, thy resting place? 

Where dost thou plume thy wings to roam in pathless 
fields of space? 
Thou comest with viewless wing and mystic voice ; 
And leaves, and blossoms, and glad birds of spring, 

awaken and rejoice. 
God tills infinity with life and bliss — 
Life, that endureth to eternity, and everlasting peace. 
And unto me 'tis given to shadow forth 

The power that fills, and rules, and gladdens heaven> 
As I pervade the earth. 



20 Not according to our works, but according 
to his own purpose and grace. II Tim. i. 9. 

His purpose will ripen fast, 

Unfolding every hour. 
The bud may have a bitter taste, 

But sweet will be the flower. 



21 This is my rest forever. Psa. cxxxii. 14, 

Christian, with the death-damp brow, 

Fitful pulse, and sobbing breath, 
Struggling with the piercing pangs 

And bitter fears of death, 
Now in thine extremest need— 

Oh. sweet the invitation blest — 
"Come, O weary one, to me. 

In everlasting rest, :: 



JULY 



73 



22 Doth a fountain send forth at the same 
place sweet water and bitter? Jas. iii. 11. 

The human heart is such a spring, 

So bitter at its source. 
And thus its stream diffuses death 

Along its poisonous course. 
But touched by Grace, how pure and sweet 

The living waters spring, 
And make along life's barren way 

The sweetest verdure springs. 



23 A friend of publicans and sinners. 
Luke vii. 34. 

Humble sinner, kneeling low, 

Who darest not lift thine eyes to heaven; 
Though thy wickedness be great 

It may be all forgiven. 
Do not suffer dark despair 

To wind her chains about thy breast, 
Jesus is the sinner's friend 

And he will give thee rest. 



24 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a 
light unto my path. Psa. cxix. 105. 

Cling to the Bible, though all else be taken ; 

Lose not its promises, precious arid sure. 
Souls that are sleeping, its echoes awaken; 

Drink from the fountain, so peaceful, so pure. 
Lamp for thy feet that in by-ways have wandered, 

Guide for the youth that would otherwise fall, 
Hope for the sinner whose best days are squandered, 

Staff for the aged, and best Book of all. 



74 



JULY 



25 Strive to enter in at the straight gate. 
Luke xiii. 24. 

Press onward, then, though foes may frown 

While mercy's gate is open; 
Accept the cross, and win the crown — 

Love's everlasting token. 



26 I indeed have baptized you with water 
but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 
Mark i. 8. 

I baptize you with water, but there comes 
One after me far mightier than Ij 

He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost 
And fire from the pervading flame on high. 

Oh, the sweet and glorious hope 
That bears the soul on high! 



27 My flesh shall rest in hope. Acts ii. 26. 

All breath of heaven— a gentle strain 

Of pure and earnest piety— 
The music of thy spirit-home 

Pervades thy minstrelsy. 



28 A blessing if ye obey the commandments 
of the Lord. Deut. xi. 27. 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; 

The clouds ye so much dread 
Are big with mercy, and shall break 

In blessings on your head. 



JULY 



75 



29 Today thou shalt be with me in paradise. 
Luke xxiii. 43. 

To Christ the Lord, upon the tree, 

A sinner cries, ' 1 Remember me. ' ' 

' 1 Today shalt thou, ' ' the Lord replies, 

"Be with me there in paradise." 

O Paradise, sweet Paradise, 

From scenes of earth we long to rise; 

0 Paradise, bright Paradise, 
Where Jesus reigns beyond the skies. 

30 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. 
And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him 
that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let 
him take the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. 

Ye souls who are athirst, forsake 

Your broken cisterns first; 
Then come, partake! one draft will shake 

Your soul's consuming thirst. 
Yea, whosoever will may come. 

Your longings, Christ can fill; 
The stream is free to you and me 

And whosoever will. 

31 I am the way, the truth, and the life. 
John xiv. 6. 

Since all have gone astray, 

To life and peace within the fold 
How may I find the way? 

Bewildered oft with doubts and care, 
To God, I fain would go ; 

While many cry ' ' Lo here ! Lo there ! ' ' 
The truth how may I know? 

To Christ, the way, the truth, the life, 

1 come, no more to roam. 

He'll guide me to "my Father's house" 
To my eternal home. 



1 Then how wilt thou do in the swelling of 
Jordan? Jer. xii. 5. 

Filled with delight, my raptured soul 

Would here no longer stay; 
Though Jordan's waves around me roll 

Fearless 1 'd launch away. 

2 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy 
presence. Psa. xxxi. 20. 

In the secret of His presence 

'How my soul delights to hide! 
Oh, how precious are the lessons 
Which I'm learning at his side! 
Earthly cares can never vex me, 
Neither trials lay me low; 
- For when Satan comes to tempt me 
To the secret place. I'll go. 

3 The shadows of the evening are stretched 
out. Jer. vi. 4. 

Now the day is over, 

Night is drawing nigh; 
Shadows of the evening, 

Steal across the sky. 
Jesus, give the weary, 

Calm and sweet repose; 
With thy tenderest blessing, 

May our eyelids close. 
When the morning wakens, 

Then may I arise 
Pure and fresh and sinless, 

In thy holy eyes. 



AUGUST 



77 



4 Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. 



There is need of the tiniest candle 

As well as the garish sun; 
The humblest deed is ennobled 

When it is worthily done. 
You may never he called to brighten 

The darkest regions afar; 
So fill, for the day, your mission 

By shining just where you are. 



5 But the righteous hath hope in his death. 
Prov. xiv. 32. 

At evening time let there be light 
Life's little day draws near its close; 
Around me fall the shades of night, 
The night of death, the grave's repose; 
To crown my joys to end my woes. 
At evening time let there be light. 



6 So he bringeth them into their desired haven. 
Psa. cvii. 30. 

Safe home, safe home in port! 

Eent cordage, shattered deck, 
Torn sails, provisions short, 

And only, not a wreck; 
But, oh! the joy upon the shore 
To tell our voyage perils o ; er. 



78 



AUGUST 



7 Whosoever shall call upon the name of the 
Lord shall be saved. Rom. x. 13. 



Ye souls, that long in darkness 

The path of sin have trod, 
Behold the Light of mercy! 

Behold the Lamb of God. 
With all your heart believe him, 

And now the promise claim, 
"Who look by faith to Jesus, 

And call upon his name. 
Ye weary, heavy-laden, 

Oppressed with toil and care, 
He waits to bid you welcome 

And all your burdens bear. 
A precious gift he offers, 

A gift that all may claim, 
Who look to him believing, 

And call upon his name. 



8 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have 
turned every one to his own way. Isa. liii. 6. 



Souls of men, why will ye scatter 

Like a crowd of frightened sheep? 
Foolish hearts, why will ye wander 

From a love so true and deep? 
Was there ever kinder shepherd, 

Half so gentle, half so sweet, 
As the Saviour who would have us 

Gome and gather round his feet? 



AUGUST 



79 



9 O come, let us worship, and bow down: let 
us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psa. xcv. 6. 

Grant I may ever, at the morning ray, 
Open with prayer and consecrate the day; 
Tune thy great praise, and bid my soul arise, 
And with the mounting sun ascend the skies. 
As that advances let my zeal improve, 
And glow with ardor of consummate love; 
Nor cease at eve, but with the setting sun 
My endless worship shall be still begun. 



10 Neither shall your vine cast her fruit be- 
Tcre the time. Mal. iii. 11. 

.Fruit without seed-time, 
Harvest without sowing, 
Produce without expenditure, 
Knowledge without gathering, 
Experience without time— can never be. 



11 Yea, though I walk through the valley of 
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou 
art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort 
me. Psa. xxiii. 4. 

Though in the paths of death I tread, 
With gloomy horrors overspread, 
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill; 
For thou, O Lord, art with me still. 
Thy friendly staff shall give me aid, 
And guide me through the dreadful shade. 



80 



AUGUST 



12 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, 
and will hold thine hand. Isa. xlii. 6. 

Hold thou niy hand, the way is dark before me, 
Without the sunlight of thy face divine ; 

But when by faith I catch its radiant glory, 

What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are 
mine ! 

Hold thou my hand, that when I reach the margiu 
Of that lone river thou didst cross for me, 

A heavenly light may flash along its waters, 
And every wave like crystal bright shall be. 



13 Unto me ... is this grace given. Eph. iii. 8. 

^VVe can clothe the soul with light, 
And make the glorious spirit bright, 
With heavenly grace. 



14 And though the Lord give you the bread 
of adversity. Isa. xxx. 20. 

O Adversity, 

Daughter of heaven, relentless power; 

Thou tamer of the human breast, 

Whose iron scourge, and torturing hour, 

The bad affright, afflict the best! 
Bound in the adamantive chain, 
The proud are taught to taste of pain; 
And purple tyrants vainly groan 
With pangs unf elt before, unpitied, and alone. 
. Thou art in any wise, a blessing in disguise. 



AUGUST 



81 



15 And others fell on good ground. Mark iv. 8. 



But where the Lord of grace and power 
Has blessed the happy field, 

How plenteous is the golden store 
The deep-wrought furrows yield. 



16 They arose early about the dawning of the 
day. Josh. vi. 15. 



Sweet is the dawn of day 

When light just streaks the sky; 
When shades and darkness pass away, 

And morning's beams are nigh." 
But sweeter far, the dawn 

Of piety in youth, 
When doubt and darkness are withdrawn 

Before the light of truth. 



17 And some fell on stony ground, where it 
had not much earth; and immediately it sprang 
up, because it had no depth of earth. Mark iv. 5. 



The seed that finds a stony soil 
Shoots forth a hasty blade; 

But ill repays the sower's toil, 

Soon withered, scorched, and dead. 



82 



AUGUST 



18 And some fell among thorns., and the thorns 
grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 
Mark iv. 7. 



The thorny ground is sure to balk 
All hope of harrow there; 

We find a tall and sickly stalk, 
But not the fruitful ear. 



19 The Creator of the ends of the earth. 
Isa. xl. 28. 



The spacious firmament on high 

With all the blue ethereal sky, 

And spangled heavens — a shining flame — 

Their great Original proclaim. 

Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, 

Does the Creator's power display; 

And publishes to every land, 

The work of an Almighty hand. 



20 Make straight in the desert a highway for 
our God. Isa. xl. 3. 



In the desert, God will teach thee 
What the God that thou hast found; 

Patient, gracious, powerful, holy, 
All his grace shall there abound. 



AUGUST 



83 



21 God is the strength of my heart, and my 
portion forever. Psa. lxxiii. 26. 

God, thine everlasting portion, 

Feeds thee with the Mighty 's meat; 
Price of Egypt's hard extortion, 

Egypt's food no more to eat. 
Art thou weaned from Egypt's pleasures? 

God in secret, thee, shall keep; 
There unfold his hidden treasures 

There Ms love's exhaustless deep. 



22 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of 
hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels. 
Mal. iii. 17. 

Like the stars of the morning, 

His bright crown adorning, 
They shall shine in their beauty, 

Bright gems for his crown. 



23 And, behold, I come quickly ; and my reward 
is with me, to give every man according as his work 
shall be. Rev. xxii. 12. 

The morn draws near, and soon the Lord shall come; 

The one for whom our souls have learned to sigh, 
The one who loves us with an endless love, 

Has told us in his word that he is nigh. 
' ' I come quickly, ' ' he says, and no delay will make ; 

That word shall speed the moments swiftly by. 
To live for him, be our one object now, 

And then be with him for eternity. 



84 



AUGUST 



24 Who provideth for the raven his food. 
Job. xxxviii. 41. 

The birds without barns or storehouse are fed; 
From them let us learn to trust for our bread. 
His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied 
So long as 'tis written— the Lord will provide. 



25 Who hath begotten the drops of dew? 
Job xxxviii. 28. 

Sweet is the early dew 

"Which gilds the mountain tops, 
And decks each plant and flower we view 

With pearly, glittering drops; 
But sweeter far, the scene 

Of Zion's holy hill, 
When there the dew of youth is seen, 

It, freshness to distil. 



26 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of 
man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 
Luke xii. 40. 

Oh, I'm watching for the coming! 

Well I know the time is near, 
When in all his royal splendor 

To his own he will appear. 
Happy bride and loving bridegroom 

Soon shall meet, the time is nigh ; 
And the joy-bells will be ringing, 

Sweetest music in the sky. 



AUGUST 



85 



27 My presence shall go with thee, and I will 
give thee rest. Ex. xxxiii. 14. 

Our Fathers of old knew this valley of rest, 

And pitched their white tents 'neath its palms; 
They ate of the fruitage that purpled its vines, 

And bathed in its life-giving balms. 
No matter how foot-sore or spent they might be, 

When their feet touched its magical sod, 
They leaped like the hart on the mountain for joy, 

And shouted their praises to God. 



28 I can of mine own self do nothing. 
John v. 30. 

Though I be nothing, yet my Saviour dear, 
Let me be used thy «weary ones to cheer, 
Whether by voice or pen, by touch or smile, 
Whether by joyous life or fiery trial. 
Only I ask that I may emptied be, 
Then filled with thee. 



29 O let me not wander from thy command- 
ments. Psa. cxix. 10. 

So he sends you the blinding darkness 
And the furnace of sevenfold heat; 

'Tis the only way to bring you, 
And keep you at his feet. 

For 'tis always so easy to wander 
When our lives are glad and sweet. 



86 



AUGUST 



30 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded. 
Prov. xxv. 15. 

Closed the heart-door of thy brother, 
All its treasures long concealed? 

One key fails, then try another 
Socn the rusty lock shall yield. 



31 The summer is ended. Jer. viii. 20. 

Sweet summer, fare thee well! 

Thy long bright days are past; 
The rays that on earth's bosom fell, 

Now all aslant, the zone o'ereast. 
The seraphs of the earth 

Have ceased the hymning lay, 
And from the bowers of their birth 

Are flitting silently away. 




r|tfrmfirr 



1 He maketh the storm a calm. Psa. cvii. 29. 

Let every element rejoice 

Ye thunders burst with awful voice 

To Him who bids you roll : 
His praise in softer notes declare, 
Each whispering breeze of yielding air, 

And breathe it to the soul. 



2 Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of 
hope. Zech. ix. 12. 

Hope humbly then; with trembling pinions soar; 
Wait the great teacher Death, and God adore. 
What future bliss, he gives not thee to know, 
But gives that hope to be thy blessing now. 
Hope springs eternal in the human breast ; 
Man never is, but always to be blest. 
The soul, uneasy, and confined from home, 
Eests and expatiates in the life to come. 



3 I will freely sacrifice unto thee. Psa. liv. 6. 



My life, if Thou preserve my life, 

Thy sacrifice shall be; 
And death, if death must be my doom. 

Shall join my soul to thee. 



88 



SEPTEMBER 



4 The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, 
which is in the sight of God of great price. 
I Pet. iii. 4. 

O meek and quiet spirit! 

Where wilt thou dwell, if not in me?— 
From av'rice and ambition free, 

And pleasures' fatal wiles. 

For whom, alas! dost thou prepare 
The sweets that I was wont to share— 

The banquet of thy smiles? 



5 Which by his strength setteth fast the moun- 
tains, being girded with power. Psa. lxv. 6. 

To him ye graceful cedars bow; 

Ye towering mountains, bending low, 

Your great Creator own: 
Tell, when affrighted nature shook, 
How Sinai kindled at his look, 

And trembled at his frown. 



6 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all 
the people praise thee. Psa. lxvii. 5. 

Let man, by nobler passions swayed— 
The feeling heart, the judging head, 

In heavenly praise employ- 
Spread His tremendous ,name around 
Till heaven's broad arch rings back the sound— 

The general burst of joy. 



SEPTEMBER 



7 Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and 
the day is far spent. Luke xxiv. 29. 

Abide with us— the evening shades 

Begin already to prevail; 
And, as the lingering twilight fades, 

Dark clouds along th' horizon sail. 
Abide "with us, for well we know 

Thy skill to cheer the gloomy hour, 
Like balm thy honeyed accents flow — 

Our wounded spirits feel their power. 



8 I am the good shepherd. John x. 11. 

God, who doth all nature hold 
In his fold, 

Is my shepherd, kind and heedful; 
Is my shepherd, and doth keep 
Me, his sheep, 

Still supplied with all things needful. 



9 But when the Comforter is come, whom I 
will send unto you from the Father, even the 
Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, 
he shall testify of me. John xv. 26. 

Not hopeless did they grieve; for o'er the soul 
His last bequest has shed a gleam of joy: 
"A comforter to come" restrained their tears, 
A steadfast faith suppressed the rising sighs, 
And expectation raised their downcast eyes. 



90 



SEPTEMBER 



10 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. 
Matt, xxviii. 19. 

Go where o'er golden sands 

The streams of Afric glide; 
Bear to those distant lands 

The Savior's sweet commands: 
Firm, firm his purpose stands — 

' ' Lo. I am by thy side ! ' ' 



11 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. 
Rev. i. 10. 



This day our Lord in triumph rose 

To give us hope beyond the grave; 
He conquered all Ur many foes, 

And proved his mighty pow'r to save. 
So in remembrance we will keep 

This blessed ressurrection day, 
The pledge of all who wake or sleep, 

That they shall live thro' him for aye. 



12 Feed my lambs. John xxi. 5. 



O ye, whose holy privilege it is 

To serve him thus, see that ye feed his lambs! 

So shall ye gain the evidence ye seek 

That your commission bears his sacred seal; 

So shall ye prove your love, and so acquire 

The rich reward on which your hopes are fixed. 



SEPTEMBER 



91 



13 The word of our God shall stand forever. 
Isa. xl. 8. 

The promise true which God hath spoken 

Can never pass away, 
But always will abide unbroken, 

Just as it is today. 



14 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of 
trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. 
Nah. i. 7. 

There is one above whose watchful eye 
Xotes all thy sufferings and marks thy fears — 
Who tries and proves thy faith, that thou mayst be 
Made meet partaker of the bliss that waits 
Believers in the bright celestial home, 
Prepared for those who put their trust in Him. 



15 For now we see through a glass, darkly. 
I Cor. xiii. 12. 

Here dimly through life's shadowy glass 

We strain our infant eyes: 
Soon shall the earth-born vapors pass, 

And light unclouded rise ; 
Then hope shall sink in changeless doom, 

Then faith's bright race be o'er, 
But thou, eternal Love, shall bloom 

More glorious than before. 



92 



SEPTEMBER 



16 Master, it is good for us to be here: and 
let us make three tabernacles. Luke ix. 33. 



The first tabernacle to hope we will build, 
And look to the sleepers around us to rise; 

The second to faith, which ensures it fulfilled; 
And the third to the Lamb of the great sacrifice, 
Who bequeathed us them both when he rose to the 
skies. 



17 The voice of melody. Isa. li. 3. 



'Tis not for fame 

That I awaken with my simple lay 

The echoes of the forest: but I sing 

As sings the bird, that pours her native strain 

Because her soul is made of melody. 



18 It is I, be not afraid. Mark vi. 50. 



In that hour of night and horror, 
While despair rode on the storm, 

Walking on the rolling billows 
They beheld a shining form. 

Nearer came the august vision, 
Burst their fears in one wild cry; 

Then He spake in tones of music, 

. "Be not fearful— It is I!" 



SEPTEMBER 



93 



19 In full assurance of faith. Heb. x. 22. 



Oh, who would rob me of my faith 

That smooths the path of sorrow, 
And cheers the night of pain or death 

With promise of tomorrow? 
Or wring my soul or wreck my peace, 

Or make me broken-hearted ; 
But leave untouched my hopes of bliss 

When life's frail strings are parted. 



20 To them who by patient continuance in 
well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, 
eternal life. Rom. ii. 7- 

Oh, for the hope of immortality, 

The humble Christian's hope of life to come! 

Of friendship, love, and joy, all purified, 

And bound in wreaths of never fading bloom. 



21 In the name of our God we will set up 
our banners. Psa. xx. 5. 

Ay, raise the banner high, 

The banner of the cross! 
Beneath which earth is vanity, 

And all its treasures dross. 
Upon its borders write 

"Holiness to the Lord!" 
While all its folds, in lines of light, 

Display his written word. 



94 



SEPTEMBER 



22 The servant of the Lord must not strive; 
but be gentle unto all men. II Tim. ii. 24. 

The gentle voice is much more sweet 
Than softest songs of summer birds; 

And flattery, sorrow, and deceit, 
Are never in their words. 



23 There shall be showers of blessing. 
Ezek. xxxiv. 26. 

Showers of blessing are o'er us 

See the clouds forming abov'e — 
Tokens of mercy so glorious, 

Off 'ring us oceans of love. 
Showers of blessings are falling, 

See the rainbow in the sky; 
This is the promise recalling— 

Waters refreshing are nigh. 



24 Thus saith the Lord, which giveth . . . 
the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for 
a light by night. Jer. xxxi. 35. 

The moon in holy light 

Walks down the spangled sky; 
The dewy leaves are bright 

Beneath her radiant eye: 
The birds that all the day 

Made field and forest ring 
Sleep each, upon his spray, 

With head beneath the wing. 



SEPTEMBER 



95 



25 The Lord's throne is in heaven. Psa. xi. 4. 



Lift us up from earth to heaven, 

Give us wings of faith and love, 
Gales of holy aspir'ations 

Wafting us to realms above; 
That with hearts and minds uplifted, 

We with Christ our Lord may dwell 
Where he sits enthroned in glory 

In the heavenly citadel. 



26 That which now is in the days to come 
shall all be forgotten. Eccl. ii. 16. 

Forgotten! 'Tis a cold and fearful word, 

And sends a thrill of anguish through the heart — 

That there will come a day in which our face, 

Our voice, our love, our very name, 

Will be forgotten. 



27 Owe no man anything, but to love one an- 
other: for he that loveth hath fulfilled the law. 
Rom. xiii. 8. 

For love is a treasure 

Filling the soul; 
Love hath no measure, 

Owns no control; 
Nobly it shieldeth, 

Guardeth its own; 
Love never yieldeth 

Its idolized one. 



96 



SEPTEMBER 



28 Who passing through the valley of Baca 
make it a well. Psa. Ixxxiv. 6. 

Oh, what a change! That bitter well 

Was filled with life and health, 
And sweet and pure its .waters flowed 

A living stream of wealth. 
Soon clustering verdure crowned the banks, 

And on the balmy air 
Rich roses blended their perfume 

With breath of lilies fair. 



29 But the righteous is an everlasting founda- 
tion. Prov. x. 25. 

The richest beauty yields to death, 
And genius' light will fade away; 

Fame may be blighted by a breath, 
And love and friendship own decay. 



30 The Lord himself shall descend from heaven 
with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and 
with the trump of God. Rev. iv. 16. 

? Tis the voice that waked the sleep of death, 
The voice that stilled the tempest with a breath, 
The voice that lifted up its warning clear, 
That breathed music to the deafened ear, 
And softly whispered to his own, 
And quelled the demon with its tone. 



rfnfirr 



1 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a de- 
sire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is 
far better. Phil. i. 23. 

Ah! who would not then depart with gladness, 

To inherit heaven for earthly sadness? 

Who here would languish 

Longer in bewailing and in anguish? 

Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us! 

Lead us forth, and cast the world behind us ! 

With thee, the Anointed, 

Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed. 

2 That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ 
might be given to them that believe. Gal. iii. 22. 

For in belief, we've joy and peace, 
Of faith and power, a sweet increase; 
From burning skies, a cool retreat, 
A shelter safe, when tempests beat— 
Fresh balm of Gilead for our grief, 
For every wound a hearing leaf. 

3 And to know the love of Christ, which pass- 
eth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all 
the fulness of God. Eph. iii. 19. 

For the love of God is broader 

Than the measure of man's mind; 
And the heart of the Eternal 

Is most wonderfully kind. 
If our love were but more simple, 

We should take him at his word; 
And our lives would be all sunshine 

In the sweetness of our Lord, 



98 



OCTOBER 



4 The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 
John xi. 28. 

O Christian, though gloomy and sad the day, 
And the tempests of sorrow encompass thee black; 

Though no sunshine of promise or hope sheds its rays 
To illumine and cheer thy life's desolate track; 

Though thy soul writhes in anguish, and bitter tears 
flow 

O'er the wreck of fond joys from thy bleeding heart 
riven, 

Check thy sorrowing murmurs, thou lone one, and know 
That the chastened on earth are the purest in heaven : 
And remember, though gloomy the present may be, 
That the Master is coming — and coming to thee. 

5 Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for 
she loved much. Luke vii. 47. 

From her alabaster chalice, 
Magdalene, the ointment poured; 
Flowed the precious perfume filling 

All the air with odors sweet; 
But from Mary's eyes distilling 
Poured the offering far more meet 
Even than the costly ointment, 

For the worn and weary feet 
Of the blessed Lord. 

6 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, 
and forever. Heb. xiii. 8. 

Change is written everywhere, 

Time and death o'er all are raging; 

Seasons, creatures, all declare 
Man is mortal, earth is changing. 

One by one— although each name- 
Providence or death will sever, 

Jesus Christ is still the same, 
Yesterday, today, forever. 



OCTOBER 



99 



7 Charity never faileth. I Cor. xiii. 8. 



Love never fails : though knowledge cease, 

Though prophecies decay, 
Love, Christian love, shall still increase, 

Shall still extend her sway. 



8 Peter said unto him, Though I should die 
with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Matt. xxvi. 35. 



Thou thrice denied, yet thrice beloved, 
Watch by thine own forgiven friend; 

In sharpest perils faithful proved 
Let his soul love thee to the end. 



9 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good 
soldier of Jesus Christ. II Tim. ii. 3. 



Soldier, go, but not to claim 

Moklering spoils of earth-born treasure; 
Not to build a vaunting name, 

Not to dwell in tents of pleasure; 
Dream not that the way is smooth, 

Hope not that the thorns are roses; 
Turn no wistful eye of youth 

Where the sunny beam reposes: 
Thou hast sterner work to, do, 
Hosts to cut thy passage through; 
Close behind thee, gulfs are burning : 
Forward! there is no returning. 



100 



OCTOBER 



10 Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him 
declare I unto you. Acts xvii. 23. 

Behold he bids you rise 

From your dark worship round that idol shrine; 
He points to Him who reared your starry skies 

And bade your Phoebus shine: 
Lift up your souls from where in dust ye bow; 
That God of gods commands your homage now. 



11 Then we which are alive and remain shall 
be caught up together with them in the clouds, to 
meet' the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be 
with the Lord. I Thess. iv. 17. 

We soon shall meet our Lord, 

The hours are wafting on, 
The Dayspring from on high hath risen, 

And the night is spent and gone. 



12 That ye be not slothful. Heb. vi. 12. 

Beware, lest thou, from sloth that would appear 
But holiness of mind, with joy proclaim 

Thy want of worth ; a charge thou wouldst not hear 
From other lips, without a blush of shame 
Or pride indignant: then be thine the blame, 

And make thyself of worth; and thus enlist 
The smiles of all the good, the dear to fame: 

; Tis infamy to die and not be missed, 

Or let all soon forget that thou didst e'er exist. 



OCTOBER 



101 



13 And work: for I am with you, saith the 
Lord of hosts. Hag. ii. 4. 

Bise to some work of high and holy love, 
And thou, an angel's happiness shalt know, 

Shalt bless the earth while in the world above: 
The good begun by thee shall onward flow 

In many a branching stream, and wider grow ; 
The seed that, in these few and fleeting hours, 

Thy hands unsparing and unwearied sow, 

Shall deck the grave with amaranthine flowers, 
And yield the fruits divine in heaven's immortal 
bowers. 



14 This do, and thou shalt live. Luke x. 28. 

Each life, however full each minute, 

Holds but two kinds of things within it, 

The higher and the lower things: 

So, as its choice each moment brings 

Choose still the higher thing to do 

And joy and strength will dwell with you. 



15 How beautiful are the feet of them that 
preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad ti- 
dings of good things! Rom. x. 15. 

Shout the tidings of salvation 

To the aged and the young, 
Till the precious invitation 

Wakens every heart and tongue. 
Shout the tidings of salvation, 

Mingling with the ocean's roar, 
Till the ships of every nation 

Bear the news from shore to shore. 



102 



OCTOBER 



16 And upon the first day of the week, when 
the disciples came together to break bread, Paul 
preached unto them. Acts xx. 7. 

The Lord's Day comes; its solemn gladness, 

That with a rush of peace life's tumult quells, 
Throws o'er each hour a halo, shining golden, 

And changes all with sweetest, holiest spells : 
Then like fair rounded pearls they pass before us 

While each one glows with luster all its owe, 
Till bearing all our praise and adoration 

They meet again befbre God's holy throne. 



17 Walk humbly with thy God. Mic. vi. 8. 

If he, the Savior, could descend 

From heaven to suffer in our stead, 
Should we, ungrateful, hesitate 

To follow where his footsteps led? 
We may not linger on the height 

With him in rapture, but we may 
In lowly service here on earth 

Walk with our Master every day. 



18 Arise, shine. Isa. lx. 1. 

Don't waste your time in longing; 

For bright impossible things; 
Don't sit supinely yearning, 

For the swiftness of angel wings; 
Don't spurn to be a rushlight 

Because you are not a star, 
But brighten some bit of darkness 

By shining just where you are. 



OCTOBER 



103 



19 The rock of my strengtn, and my refuge Ls 
in God. Psa. lxii. 7. 

In every trouble sharp and strong 

My soul to Jesus flies; 
My anchor-hold is strong in him 

"When storms and tempests rise. 



20 Awake thou that sleepest. Eph. v. 14. 

Wake, thou that sleepest in enchanted bowers 

Lest these lost years should haunt thee on the 
night 

When death is waiting for thy numbered hours 
To take their swift and everlasting flight: 

Wake, ere the earth-born charm unnerve thee quite, 
And be thy thoughts to work divine addressed; 

Do something — do it soon— with all thy might; 
An angel's wing would droop if long at rest, 
And God himself, inactive, were no longer blest. 



21 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, 
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart 
of man, the things which God hath prepared for 
them that love him. I Cor. ii. 9. 

And is there rest beyond the grave, 

Nor pain, nor sighing in that land, 
Nor storms, nor wintry winds to rave 

In fury on that sunny strand? 
Eye hath not seen. 
Gay the flowers that blossom there, 

Kich the spicy breath of eve, 
Aye the landscape verdant fair 

Ceaseth every soul to grieve j 
Eye hath not seen. 



104. 



OCTOBER 



22 I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall 
behold. Job xix. 27. 

Why seek, my soul, to pierce the veil 
And see beyond earth's mist and gloom? 

Live so, that when thy summons come, 
Kept not within the dreary tomb, 

E'en thou shalt rise on pinions bold— 

Eise, and with thine eyes behold. 



23 And great multitudes were gathered together 
unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; 
and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 
Matt. xiii. 2. 

How sweetly flow'd the gospel's sound 

From lips of gentleness and grace, 
When listening thousands gathered round 

And joy and reverence filled the place! 
From heaven he came, of heaven he spoke, 

To heaven he led his followers' wayj 
Dark clouds of gloomy night he broke, 

Unveiling an immortal day. 



24 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart. 
Eccl. xi. 10. 

Wouldst thou from sorrow find a sweet relief, 
Or is thy heart oppressed with woes untold? 

Balm wouldst thou gather for corroding grief? 
Pour blessings round thee like a shower of gold? 

'Tis when the rose is wrapt in many a fold, 
Close to its heart, the worm is wasting there 

Its life and beauty : not when all unrolled, 
Leaf after leaf, its bosom rich and fair, 
Breathes freely its perfumes throughout the am- 
bient air. 



OCTOBER 



25 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the 
evening withhold not thine hand. Eccl. xi. 6. 

Early and late still sow 

The seed which God hath given; 

Seek not reward below. 

The glorious flower shall grow 

"Where cloudless summers glow; 
The harvest is in heaven. 



26 Go ye into all the world, and preach the 
gospel to every creature. Mark xvi. 15. 

Go to the lands afar, 

"Where the changeless winter reigns; 
Night hath her empire there, 
The night of deep despair. 
Go bid the morning Star 

Kise o'er those snowy plains; 
Go, love's soft dew to shower 

On the far-off southern isles. 
Though darkness hath her hour 
Truth is a might 'er power; 
Go bid the Lily flower 

And the Eose of Sharon smile. 



27 Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? 
Mark x. 38. 

Who best can drink his cup of woe, 

Triumphant over pain, 
Who patient bears his cross below 

Shall soon with Jesus reign. 



106 



OCTOBER 



28 In this was manifested the love of God 
toward us, because that God sent his only begotten 
Son into the world, that we might live through 
him. I John iv. 9. 

Yes! love has wrought, and love alone, 
The victories all, beneath, above; 

And heaven and earth shall shout as one 
The all-triumphant song of love. 



29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou 
hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they 
that have not seen, and yet have believed. 
John xx. 29. 

For all thy rankling doubts are sore, 
Love thou thy Savior still; 

Him for thy Lord and God adore, 
And ever do his will. 

Though vexing thoughts may seem to last, 

Let not thy soul be quite o'ercast: 
Soon will he show thee all his wounds, 
And say, "Long have I. known thy name- 
Know, thou, my face alway." 



30 My peace I give unto you. John xiv. 27. 

My peace to you I give, 

Won from the home of bliss above, 

Where the redeemed shall live 
In mansions of eternal love. 



OCTOBER 



107 



31 He that keepeth thee will not slumber. 
Psa. cxxi. 3. 

Oh thus, when I, by sorrow wrung, 

Am tempest-tossed on life's dark deep, 
The canvas torn, the helm unhung, 

And earthly pilots all asleep; 
May He who felt, himself, the throes 

Of mortal anguish, o'er me keep 
His sleepless watch, and sooth my woes, 

And call me from my sinful sleep. 




ntormflrr 



1 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, 
and given him a name which is above every name. 
Phil. ii. 9. 



There is a name, of all the names 

That is so dear to me; 
It soothes the troubles of my heart 

And bids all sorrow flee. 
This name is simply Jesus, 

But how much it is to me! 
It is dearer to my soul 

Than other name could be. 



2 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the 
fiery trial which is to try you, as though some 
strange thing happened unto you. I Pet. iv. 12. 

For these trials you have 

Are just to test the love you have for him; 
Sometime you 'll know and understand 

The things that now look dim. 



3 I dwell in the high and holy place, with him 
also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to re- 
vive the spirit of the humble and to revive the 
heart of the contrite ones. Isa. lvii. 15. 



Oh, for a lowly, contrite heart, 
True and free from sin, . 

Which neither life nor death can part 
From Him that dwells within. 



NOVEMBER 



109 



4 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 
II Cor. v. 7. 

God never would send you the darkness 
If he thought you could bear the light, 

But you would not cling to his guiding hand 
If the way were always bright; 

And you would not care to walk by faith, 
Could you always walk by sight. 



5 The way of the righteous is made plain. 
Prov. xv. 19. 

"When the last feeble step has been taken 

And the gates of the city appear, 
And the beautiful songs of the angels 

Float out on the listening ear; 
When all that now seems so mysterious 

Will be plain and clear as the day; 
And the toils of the road will seem nothing, 

When 1 get to the end of the way. 



6 The time is short. I Cor. vii. 29. 

Sigh then, soul, sing in sighing, 
To the happier things replying; 
Dry the tears that dim thy seeing, 
• Give glad thoughts for life and being: 

Time is but the little entry 
To eternity's large dwelling, 

And the heavenly guards keep sentry, 
Urging, guiding, half compelling, 

Till the puzzling way quite past, 

Thou shalt enter in— at last. 



110 



NOVEMBER 



7 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to 
profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou 
shouldst go. Isa. xlviii. 17. 

Nor would I, Father, seek to pry 

Within thy closed hand. 
To learn what share of weal and woe 

Thy love for me hath planned: 
It is enough that in those hands, 

Its lowliest care may be 
A round to lift me nigher heaven 

And lead me nearer thee. 



8 For all the promises of God in him are yea, 
and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 
II Cor. i. 20. 

Though troubles assail and dangers affright, 
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite; 
Yet one thing secures us, what ever betide, 
The promise assures us, the Lord will provide. 



9 Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 
John xiv. 27. 

Not as the earth bestows 

Its fleeting gifts, I yield my peace to you; 
No clouds of death can close 

Around my Father's house, nor dim the view 
Where fadeless luster fills the gorgeous sky 

And sinks into the soul 
And lights the enraptured eye. 



NOVEMBER 



111 



10 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and 
said unto the sea, Peace, be still. Mark iv. 39. 

' 1 Peace, be still ; ' : the whirlwinds, 
The conscious billow shrunk before him : 
While nature all her glories shed 
And, smiling, hasten to adore him. 
Man, trembling, heard the omnific word 
And silently confessed his Lord. 



11 And he was sad at that saying, and went 
away grieved: for he had great possessions. 
Mark x. 22. 

Yet sadder far to him who reads aright 

The story of our being's end and aim, 
The spirit, darkened mid' surrounding light 

By sin and shame! 
To see the impervious clouds of prejudice, 

Eound which the sunbeams pour 
Their light in vain; 

The dead soul fettered by the films of vice 
Knows not its claim. 



12 The just shall live by faith. Heb. x. 38. 

The childlike faitb, that asks not sight — 
Waits not for wonder or for sign, 

Believes, because it loves aright— 
•Shall see things greater, things divine. 



112 



NOVEMBER 



13 Casting all your care upon him. I Pet. v. 7. 

Christian, when thy way seems darkest, 

And thine eyes with tears are dim, 
Straight to God, thy Father, hastening, 

Tell thy sorrows unto him. 
Not to human ear confiding 

Thy sad tale of grief and care, 
But before thy Father, kneeling, 

Pour out all thy sorrow there. 



14 How precious also are thy thoughts unto 
me, O God ! how great is the sum of them. 
Psa. cxxxix. 17. 

O happy hours of heavenly thought! 

How richly crowned! how well improved! 
In musing o'er the law he taught, 

In waiting for the Lord we love. 



15 The voice of one crying in the wilderness. 
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths 
straight. Luke iii. 4. 

Hark! through the desert wilds, what awful voice 
Swells on the gale and bids the world rejoice? 
What prophet form, in holy raptures led, 
The gray mists hov'ring o'er his sacred head, 
Prepares on earth Messiah 's destined way, 
And hastes the mighty Messenger of day? 



NOVEMBER 



113 



.16 And it came to pass in those days, that he 
went out into a mountain to pray, and contin- 
ued all night in prayer to God. Luke vi. 12. 

Early he rose ere dawn of clay 

And to a desert place withdrew, 
There was he wont to watch and pray 

Until his locks were wet with dew. 
The birds below, the beams above, 
Had warned him thence to works of love. 
At evening, when his toils were o'er, 

He sent the multitude away, 
And on the mountain or the shore 

All night remained alone to pray, 
Till o'er his head the stars grew dim: 
When was the hour of rest for him? 

17 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew 
their strength; they shall mount up with wings 
as eagles. Isa. xl. 31. 

Then, fainting soul, arise and sing: 
Mount, but be sober on the wing; 
Mount up, for heaven is won by prayer; 
Be sober for thou art not there; 
Till death the weary spirit free, 
Thy God hath said, 'Tis good for thee 
To walk by faith and not by sight: 

Take it on trust a little while; 
Soon shalt thou read the mystery right 

In the full sunshine of his smile. 

18 Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 
Mark ix. 24. 

"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief;" 
Let there be hope in toil, and joy in grief. 
Teach me on nature's face to look; 
Teach me to read thee in thy works and find 
There evidence of thine almighty mind. 
Keep me, till in the grave with hope divine 
I sink, rejoicing that I now am thine. 



114 



NOVEMBER 



19 Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon son of 
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? 
John xxi. 15. 

11 Lovest thou me?" I hear my Savior say: 
Would that my heart had power to answer, ' cl Yea; 
And earth beneath, thou knowest that I love. ' ' 
But 'tis not so; in word, in deed, in thought, 
I do not, can not, love thee as I ought; 
Thy love must give that power, thy love alone; 
There's nothing worthy of thee but thine own. 
Lord, with the love wherewith thou lovest me, 
Eeflected on thyself, I would love thee. 

20 I will turn their mourning into joy, and 
will comfort them, and make them rejoice from 
their sorrow. Jer. xxxi. 13. 

O suffering souls that strive! 

Be not borne down by sorrow; look aloft, 

For morn will come, and with the morn comes joy. 

The feeble only fail, the weak in heart, 

The soft of soul: the strong are ever strong, 

And, like the eagles, spread their nervous wings, 

And through the storm unheeding rain or snow, 

The thunder's crashing, or the lightning's flash, 

Soar to the skies; so shall it be with ye. 

Look upward, striving ever, and your goal 

As glorious Eden by God's" golden throne. 

21 And the Lord went before them by day in a 
pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way. Ex. xiii. 21. 

I can not look above and see 

Yon high-piled, pillowy mass 
Of evening clouds, so swimmingly, 

In gold and purple pass, 
And think not, Lord, how thou wast seen 

On Israel's desert way, 
Before them, in thy shadowy screen, 

Pavilioned all the day. 



NOVEMBER 



115 



22 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not 
dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen 
thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee 
with the right hand of my righteousness. 
Isa. xli. 10. 

' ' Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; ' ' 

Child of God, be this thy stay; 
God, the mighty God, is with thee, 

Yielding comfort by the way. 



23 And went, as he was wont, to the Mount 
of Olives. Luke xxii. 39. 

Where climbs thy steep, fair Olivet, 

There is a spot most dear to me — 
The spot Avith tears of sorrow wet, 

Where Jesus knelt in agony. 
1 fondly seek the olive shade 

That veiled thee when thy soul was wrung; 
Where angels came to bring thee aid, 

That oft to thee their harps had strung. 



24 And when he was come near, he beheld the 
city, and wept over it. Luke xix. 41. 

And doth the Savior weep 

Over his people's sin, 
Because we will not let him keep 

The souls he died to win? 
Ye hearts, that love the Lord, 

If at his sight ye burn, 
See that in thought, in deed, in word, 

Ye hate what made him mourn. 



116 



NOVEMBER 



25 Hope we have as an anchor of the soul. 
Heb. vi. 19. 

While hope's fair star shines forth, auspicious guide, 
E'en tempests, storms, and rocks, oppose in vain. 
Safe, midst the ocean's iterated force, 
The sacred vessel shapes her haven-directed course. 

26 And confessed that they were strangers and 
pilgrims on the earth. Heb. xi. 13. 

Nothing on earth I call my own; 
A stranger to the world, unknown. 

I all their wealth despise; 
I trample on their whole delight, 
And seek a country out of sight — 

A country in the skies. 

27 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned 
herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to 
say, Master. John xx. 16. 

Weeper, to thee how bright a morn was given 

After thy long, long vigil of despair 
When that high voice which burial rocks had riven 

Thrilled with immortal tones the silent air! 
Never did clarion's royal blast declare 

Such tale of victory to a breathless crowd, 
As the deep sweetness of one word could bear 

Into thy heart of hearts. O woman, bowed 
By strong affection's anguish! One low word, 

"Mary, " and all the triumph wrung from death 
Was thus revealed! And thou, that so hadst err'd, 

So wept and been forgiven, in trembling faith 
Didst cast thee down before th' all-conquering Son, 
Awed by the mighty gift thy tears and love had won ! 



NOVEMBER 



117 



28 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his 
heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psa. cxii. 7. 

Ill tidings never can surprise 
That heart that fixed on God relies. 

Though waves and tempests roar around 
Safe on the rock he stands and sees 
The shipwreck of his enemies 

And ail their hopes and glory drowned. 

29 According to the faith of God's elect. 
Tit. i. 1. 

Faith lends its realizing light, 

The clouds disperse, the shadows fly, 
The Invisible appears in sight, 

The Lord is seen by mortal eye. 
The things unknown to feeble sense, 

Unseen by reason 's glimmering ray, 
With strong commanding evidence 

Their heavenly origin display. 

30 Come, take up the cross, and follow me. 
Mark x. 21. 

See where the cross of duty stands upright; 
Above it, shines the crown with radiant light. 
Eight in the narrow way, the cross it stands, 
And all the space completely it commands. 

On either side, behold, vast rocks arise! 
See numbers there who fain the crown would have, 
But will not touch the cross their souls to save. 



rrrmfirr 



1 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and har- 
vest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, 
and day and night, shall not cease. Gen. viii. 22. 

Behold! old Winter, on his stormy throne 
With icy scepter, sways the world alone; 
From Arctic regions fierce the whirlwinds blow 
And earth, all shivering, wears her robe of snow; 
The leafless forest murmurs to the blast; 
The rushing river now is fettered fast; 
And clouds and shadows settling over all, 
Wrapt lifeless nature in her funeral pall. 

2 The rod and reproof give wisdom. 
Prov. xxix. 15. 

Long unafiiicted, undismayed, 
In pleasure's path secure I strayed; 
Thou mad'st me feel the chastening rod, 
And straight I turned unto my God. 
What though it pierced my fainting heart! 
I blessed the hand that caused the smart. 
It taught my tears awhile to flow, 
But saved me from eternal woe. 

3 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, 
and whose hope the Lord is. Jer. xvii. 7- 

Hope is the first great blessing here below, 
The only balm to heal corroding woe; 
It is the staff of age, the sick man's health, 
The prisoner's freedom, and the poor man's wealth; 
The sailor's safety, tossing as one breath, 
It still holds on nor quits us e'en in death. 



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4 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth 
over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh 
them, beareth them on her wings. Deut. xxxii. 11. 

The parent eagle bids her young to fly, 
And far aloft their fluttering pinions try; 
With seeming cruel haste she stirs their nest 
Which may no longer be a place of rest, 
Then flutters o*'er them, spreads her wings to fly, 
And seeks to bear the little ones on high. 
They learn to trust their feeble wings at length 
And soar aloft with ail their parent's strength. 
So, oft in life, the fate that seems so hard 
Brings in the end exertion's rich reward. 



5 To them that are sanctified by God the Father, 
and preserved in Jesus Christ. Jude 1. 

Behold, in life the Christian, sanctified, 
Strengthened by faith, by fiery trials tried! 

He dreads no more temptation's fearful night; 
He walks with faith, who, with her heavenly ray, 
Sustains his soul and brightens all the way. 



6 Before I was afflicted I went astray. 
Psa. cxix. 67. 

When in the wilds the heedless sheep would stray 
And wander careless from the beaten way, 
In vain the shepherd every art would try 
To make them follow him to pastures high. 
He takes a lamb and bears it up the hill, 
Up the steep path the mother follows still, 
Till in the upland pastures, green and fair, 
The sheep and lambs are safely folded there. 



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7 This I recall to my mind, therefore have 
I hope. Lam. iii. 21. 

How sweet through long remembered years 

His mercies to recall, 
And pressed with wants and griefs and fears 

To trust his love for all; 
How sweet to look in thoughtful hope 

Beyond the fading sky, 
And hear him call his children up 

To his fair home on high. 



8 At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. 
Phil. ii. 10. 

Child, amidst the flowers at play 
While the red light fades away; 
Mother, with thine earnest eye 
Ever following silently; 
Father by the breeze of eve, 
Called by harvest work to leave — 
Pray, ere yet the dark hours be, 
Lift the heart and bend the knee. 



9 Happy is the man that feareth alway. 
Prov. xxviii. 14. 

His pleasures rise from things unseen, 

Beyond this world and time, 
Where neither eyes nor ears have been 

Nor thoughts of. sinners climb. 
He looks to heaven J s eternal hill 

To meet that glorious day, 
And patient waits his Savoir's will 

To fetch his soul away. 



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10 There remaineth therefore a rest to the 
people of God. Heb. iv. 9. 

Eoses bloom and then they wither; 

Cheeks are bright, then fade and die; 
Shapes of light are wafted hither, 

Then like visions hurry by. 
Quick as clouds at evening driven 

O 'er the many-colored west, 
Years are bearing us to heaven, 

Home of happiness and rest. 

11 For our light affliction, which is but for a 
moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and 
eternal weight of glory. II Cor. iv. 17. 

There is no flock, however watched and tended, 

But one dead lamb is there; 
There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, 

But has one vacant chair. 
Let us be patient! These severe afflictions 

Not from the ground arise, 
But oftentimes celestial benedictions 

Assume this dark disguise. 
We see but dimly through the mists and vapors, 

Amid these earthly damps; 
What seem to us but sad, funeral tapers, 

May be heaven's distant lamps. 



12 Not as I will, but as thou wilt. 
Matt. xxvi. 39. 

Sweet is the confidence of faith 

To trust His firm decrees; 
Sweet to lie passive in his hand 

And know no will but his. 



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13 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and 
read. Isa. xxxiv. 16. 

Who has this book and reads it not 

Doth God, himself, despise; 
Who reads, but understandeth not, 

His soul in darkness lies. 
Who understands, but savors not, 

He finds no rest in trouble; 
Who savors but obeyeth not 

He hatb. his judgment double. 
Who reads this book, who understands, 

Doth savor, and obey, 
His soul shall stand at God's right hand 

In that great judgment day. 



14 Follow me. John i. 43. 

Voyager, on life's troubled sea, 
Sailing to eternity, 
Turn from earthly things away; 
Vain they are, and brief their stay. 
Chaining down to earth the heart, 
Nothing lasting they impart. 
Voyager, what are they to thee? 
Leave them all and follow me. 



15 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant 
mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 
I Pet. i. 3. 

How sweet to rejoice in lively hope 
That, when my change shall come, 
Angels will hover round my bed 
And waft my spirit home. 



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16 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is 
liberty. II Cor. iii. 17. 



In a service which Thy will appoints 
There are no bonds for me; 

For my inmost heart is taught the truth 
That makes thy children free; 

And a life of self -renouncing love 
Is a life of liberty. 



17 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not con- 
fidence in a guide. Mic. vii. 5. 



Trust no party, sect, or faction; 

Trust no leaders in the fight; 
But in every word and action 

Trust in God, and do the right. 



18 Happy art thou. Deut. xxxiii. 29. 



O happy soul, that lives on high 

While men lie groveling here! 
His hopes are fixed above the sky 

And faith forbids his fear. 
His conscience knows no secret stings; 

While peace and joy combine 
To form a life, whose holy springs 

Are hidden and divine. 



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DECEMBER 



19 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest. 
Psa. xciv. 12. 

How many blessings undeserved 

Have marked my erring track; 
That wheresoe'er my feet heve swerved 

His chastening turned me back. 
And more and more a Providence 

Of love is understood, 
Making the springs of time and sense 

Sweet with eternal good. 



20 The hour of prayer. Acts iii. 1. 



I love to steal awhile away 

Prom every cumbering care, 
And spend the hour of setting day 

In humble, grateful prayer. 
1 love in solitude to shed 

The penitential tear, 
And all his promises to plead 

When none but God is near. 



21 For a thousand years in thy sight are but 
as yesterday. Psa. xc. 4. 

In heaven they live in such delight, 
Such pleasures, and such play, 

As that to them a thousand years 
Doth seem as yesterday. 



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22 For^ lo, I will command. Amos ix. 9. 

Command me, Keeper of my all, 
My heart, my soul, my mind; 

Direct me, Leader of my way, 
For sin hath made me blind. 

And 1 will tread the path unseen 

And neither doubt not fear, 

For 1 am thine, and thou art mine, 

And now, command me, Lord. 



23 Every man shall bear his own burden. 
Gal. vi. 5. 

To every one on earth, 
God gives a burden to be carried down 
The road that lies between the cross and 

crown ; 
No lot is wholly free. 
He giveth one to thee. 



24 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not 
my law. Prov. iv. 2. 

All hail, Keligion's chaplet! 

We bless its heavenly power; 
There's healing in each verdant leaf 

And balm in every flower. 
No blight, no change, no withering, 

Comes ever to this wreath; 
It blooms a balm, a bliss gin life, 

A glorious hope in death. 



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DECEMBER 



25 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with 
exceeding great joy. Matt. ii. 10. 

The shepherd people left their flocks 

Because a song they heard, 
And as they watched beside their sheep 

Their simple hearts had stirred. 
A star, a song, and both, had led 

True hearts to find the way, 
"Where in the cattle's lowly shed 

The blessed Infant lay. 



26 Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth 
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 
I Pet. v. 5. 

He that is down need fear no fall, 

He that is low, no pride; 
He that is humble ever shall 

Have God to be his guide. 



27 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. 
Ezek, xviii. 4. 

Sin hath a thousand treacherous arts 

To practise on the mind; 
"With flattering looks she tempts our hearts, 

But leaves a sting behind. 
She pleads for all the joys she brings, 

And gives a fair pretense; 
But cheats the soul of heavenly things, 

And chains it down to sense. 



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28 Behold, they are all vanity. Isa. xli. 29. 

How vain are all things here below, 
How false and yet how fair ! 

Each pleasure hath its poison too, 
And every sweet a snare. 

The brightest things below the sky- 
Give but a flattering light; 

We should suspect some danger nigh, 
Where we possess delight. 



29 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings 
of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a 
wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and 
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the 
winds flew, and beat upon the house; and it fell 
not: for it was founded upon a rock. 
I John iii. 19. 

High on a rock the wise man marks his plan, 
Its deep foundations closely he would scan; 
Though gentle zephyrs breathe through summer 
skies, 

He knows that storms, wide-wasting, may arise; 
On solid base his building rises fair 
And points its turrets through the ambient air 
With tranquil joy, his eyes delighted greet 
The beauteous fabric furnished and complete; 
In conscious safety, makes it his abode; 
His duty done, he leaves the rest with God. 
But soon dark clouds o'erspread the troubled sky, 
And soon is heard the voice of tempest high; 
Deep rolls the thunder, rains in torrents pour, 
The floods tumultuous beat with deafening roar; 
Floods, rain, nor thunder, nor rude tempest's shock 
Can harm— for 'tis founded on a rock. 



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30 And every one that heareth these sayings of 
mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a 
foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 
and the rain descended, and the floods came, and 
the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it 
fell: and great was the fall of it. Matt. vii. 26, 27. 

The foolish man who built upon the sand 
And wrought his labor with penurious hand, 
Midst howling tempests, and loud thunders' roar, 
His house— it vanished and was seen no more. 



31 And hereby we know that we are of the 
truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 
Matt. vii. 24, 25. 

Truth crushed to earth shall rise again, 
The eternal years of God are hers. 
Truth is 

The good man's boast and fraud's eternal foe, 
The best of gifts heaven can on man bestow; . 
"Where she is found bright virtue still resides, 
And equal justice ev'ry action guides. 
In the pure heart and spotless mind she reigns, 
And with mild power her happy sway maintains. 
The attribute of God himself contest— 
That stamps his image on the human breast. 



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